SECOND READING. (Hansard, 28 July 1887)

§ THE EARL OF WEMYSS
said, he would appeal to the noble Earl (the Earl of Camperdown) to postpone the second reading of this Bill. The measure had passed through the House of Commons much more rapidly than wag 293 expected. There were many persons in Scotland who took a deep interest in the subject, and further time was desired for consideration of the measure. He, therefore, hoped his noble Friend would not press it to-day, but would consent to its postponement for a week.

§ LORD BRABOURNE
said, he wished to join in the appeal, because there was a great deal of opposition to the Bill.

§ LORD BRAMWELL
Naturally!

THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWN
said, the noble Lord (Lord Brabourne) had just stated the strongest argument he could against his acceding to the request that had been made. He admitted, however, that there had not been much time since the Bill was introduced into this House, and, in the circumstances, he did not think he would be justified in refusing to postpone it. He was bound to take into consideration the fact that the Bill had been supported by a very large proportion of the Scottish Representatives in the other House, only seven of whom had opposed it. He did not hold extreme views on this subject; but, at the same time, he thought their Lordships were bound to keep abreast of public opinion in the matter. He was perfectly ready to hear anything that might be advanced against the Bill between this and next Thursday, and, on that understanding, he was quite prepared to postpone the second reading until that day.