HL Deb 23 July 1894 vol 27 cc645-6

Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HERSCHELL)

stated that this Bill was postponed.

LORD HALSBURY

If a Bill of this kind, which comes on for Second Reading on the 23rd of July, is to be postponed, one does not see why it has been put down at all.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HERSCHELL)

My reason for postponing it was that I wanted to ascertain whether it was among those measures which were to be treated in the other House as non-contentious. I think we have often so dealt with these Bills.

LORD HALSBURY

Very often, and I do not understand why this should not pass a Second Reading. It is on the Orders, and will not interfere with what is done in the other House.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HERSCHELL)

I have not the least objection. It is a kind of Bill which has often been passed. I do not know why it should not be passed into law. These Bills have been passed when my noble and learned Friend sat on the Woolsack as well as once or twice since I have occupied it.

LORD HALSBURY

I entirely agree with what my noble and learned Friend has said. They were passed three or four times in those days; and I think this really is a great object-lesson in persistent and ridiculous obstruction. It is a measure in which all concur; there is a general desire on all sides that an alteration in the law should take place but by reason of persistent obstruction the state of the law which everybody desires to see changed remains unaltered.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord Chancellor.)

Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.