§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read,
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR: I would ask the noble Earl to postpone his Motion for the present. I only received the print of the Bill to-day. I do not know when it is to be issued, but certainly it is not in the House at present. I have received an intimation from the Home Office that the authorities there are desirous of having an opportunity to say something on the matter. I may tell the noble Earl that after what passed the other day in this House I thought it my duty to give directions that a Bill should be prepared on the subject on behalf of the Government. I do not invite the noble Earl to withdraw his Bill, but only to postpone it for the present. There is much in the Bill of the noble Earl of which I entirely approve; but to some of the clauses I think I shall have to object. It seems to me to be most undesirable that there should be a sort of race between the two Bills, and I, therefore, ask the noble Earl to postpone at present the consideration of his measure. When they both come before your Lordships' House I shall ask that they be referred to the same Committee.
§ THE EARL OF MEATH: I will certainly not move the Second Reading after what the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack has stated, and I at once assent to his suggestion.
§ Order discharged.