HL Deb 26 June 1902 vol 110 c148

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (The Earl of HALSBURY)

Before the noble Viscount moves the Second Reading, I would appeal to him to put it off for a time, so that the Bill may be considered. There seems to have been some misunderstanding on the subject. I am somewhat surprised to find that some intimation was given in another place that the Government were going to support the measure. I have had no intimation of such an intention, and, if my noble friend has no objection, I should be glad if he would postpone the Second Reading so that the matter could be considered.

VISCOUNT CROSS

At the request of the Lord Chancellor I have no hesitation in putting off the Second Reading for a week. That will give the noble and learned Lord time to read the documents, which are strongly in favour of the Bill.

THE EARL OF WEMYSS

If I may make a suggestion, it would be that the noble Viscount should put off the Second Reading for six months.

Second Reading put off to Thursday next.

House adjourned at twenty-five minutes before Five o'clock, till tomorrow, a quarter past Four o'clock.