§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD BELPERMy Lords, I understand that a wish has been expressed by some noble Lords that more time should be given for the consideration of this Bill. If that is the general wish of the House I will postpone the Second Reading until Monday.
§ EARL SPENCERI certainly did hear that there were certain persons very much interested in this Bill who did not have the print of it in their hands until last night. I understand that copies of the Bill were circulated to your Lordships early on Wednesday morning, and if that is so I think a little longer time should be allowed before the Second Reading stage is taken. It is true that it is on the lines of a Bill introduced last session, but it goes a great deal farther, as it deals also with Birmingham. I am glad, therefore, that the noble Lord has expressed his willingness to postpone it.
§ Second Reading postponed accordingly until Monday next.