§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord Denman.)
* LORD BALFOURI would point out that this Bill has not yet been printed and circulated. That, I take it, would be a sufficient reason in itself, according to the usual practice, for asking the House not to agree with the Motion just made. I do not, however, wish to shelter myself altogether behind this technicality, because I am authorized to say that the Government cannot agree to the Motion on the merits. I therefore propose that the Bill be read a second time this day four months. 1806 Amendment moved, to leave out "now" and add at the end of the Motion, "this day four months."—(The Lord Balfour.)
§ EARL GRANVILLEAs the House will not, I trust, be sitting this day four months, I would suggest that the noble Lord should postpone his Motion for a reasonable time in order that the Government may have time to consider the merits of the Bill.
LORD DENMANAs I find the time of registration is later than I thought, I will ask your Lordships' permission to postpone the Second Reading of the Bill until a day that may be convenient for your Lordships.
* LORD BALFOURI am willing to withdraw my Amendment under the altered circumstances with the permission of the House.
Amendment and Original Motion, by leave of the House, withdrawn.