HL Deb 17 June 1895 vol 34 cc1246-7

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HERSCHELL) rose to move the Second Reading of this Bill.

LORD HALSBURY

Before the noble Lord addresses the House, I would ask him if it is not desirable that some longer interval should be allowed to elapse before taking the Second Reading stage of a Bill like this, which is of a serious character indeed? I see upon it that it was ordered to be printed on May 21, but I never heard of it until recently. Probably, considering the importance of the Bill, the noble Lord will not consider it inappropriate that a longer interval should be allowed to elapse before the Second Reading is taken.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

Of course it is difficult to resist an appeal of this kind. I wish to point out, however, that the Bill was distributed before the Vacation, and I saw an article in a loading newspaper about it a week ago. Therefore, so far as the circulation of the Bill is concerned, a newspaper was enabled to comment on it a week ago, and that being so it seems rather strange that my noble and learned Friend is not even now in a position to consider its Second Reading.

LORD HALSBURY

If my noble Friend presses the Second Reading I shall say no more, but I shall certainly move the Adjournment of the Debate immediately after the Motion has been made.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

If the noble Lord thinks it right to take that course, I shall not press the Motion for the Second Reading. But it is most unusual, when a Bill has been introduced before a Recess and circulated a great number of days, to make an appeal of this kind. I had come prepared to state my views about the Bill, which has already been discussed in public journals. Of course, after what the noble Lord has said, I shall not press the Motion. Will Thursday next be too soon for my noble and learned Friend? I do not want to have the same difficulty over again.

LORD HALSBURY

If the noble Lord will say Friday I think it would be more convenient.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

accordingly fixed Friday for the Second Reading.

Debate adjourned till Friday next.