§ THE PRIME MINISTER AND SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (The Marquess of SALISBURY), in moving that the Bill be now read a first time, said, I wish to say a word in respect to our proceedings with regard to this Bill. We propose to read it a second time to-morrow, but we are much in the hands of the House as to what the further proceeding shall be. If the House accepts the second reading, we propose to take the Committee stage on Saturday, and if there is no objection, which seems to be entirely reasonable to suppose, we will take the third reading on Saturday also. That, however, is not a method which I should like to use with the power of a majority. It must be entirely a question for noble Lords opposite as to whether they think that is a reasonable course or not.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 1a."—(The Marquess of Salisbury.)
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYI have, of course, no objection to the Committee being taken on Saturday, but I should not like to give a decided opinion now as to the third reading.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 1a; to be printed; and to be read 2a To-morrow. (No. 263.)