§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
LORD DENMAN,in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, explained that its object was to counteract the prejudice against silent burial. He referred to the wish expressed by Ministers in 1862 for the whole of the service to be performed in church. He trusted that their Lordships would allow it to be read a second time, in order that it might reach the other House of Parliament in time to pass before the Dissolution.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a"—(The Lord Denman.)
§ THE EARL OF BEACONSFIELDThis subject, my Lords, though one of great interest, is still one which has recently been brought before this House under circumstances with which your Lordships must be perfectly familiar, and which will probably again receive your attention. But I really think that, under the circumstances in which Parliament now stands, it would be inexpedient and also injurious to the views of my noble Friend that it should be pressed on this occasion. He has communicated its purpose to the House; and, having done so much, he may be content not to press the measure. In the new Parliament my noble Friend will have an opportunity of bringing forward the Motion with all the charm which is attendant on a virgin measure. Probably he will find that, by asking the House to consider it now, he will not at all facilitate the furtherance of the views which he so conscientiously entertains. I should, therefore, advise him to withdraw the measure for the present.
LORD DENMANsaid, he could not object to follow the course suggested by the noble Earl the Prime Minister.
§ Order discharged, and Bill (by leave of the House) withdrawn.