§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Viscount Bury.)
THE EARL OF LONGFORDsaid, he regretted that the Bill could not have been brought forward at an earlier period, when it might have undergone discussion, especially as the Bill of last year had been passed after only a few hours' consideration. By certain of its provisions commanding officers were prevented from adopting measures which 955 they might deem necessary to restrain disorder; and then complaint was very unfairly made if disorderly conduct on the part of the troops occurred. Some fresh regulations were also required in respect to the distribution of prize money and booty; he thought that clauses to amend the defects of the Bill in these particulars might very properly be inserted in a future Bill. The measure would require amendment in the next Parliament.
§ Motion agreed to: Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.