The Sun.
London, England, 1848-08-03 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

HOUSE OF COMMONS, August 2.
SALE OF BEER BILL.
(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)
Mr. M. GIBSON moved to substitute in clause one,
"twelve o'clock at noon" for " half- past twelve o'clock
in the afternoon," and to leave out the words after the
word " afternoon," in line 13, down to the word " ser-
vice," in line 16.
Mr. 1-11.IME seconded the amendment.
The House divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment 25
Against it
Majority against it . —33
Mr. HUME then moved, that the words, " tea
and coffeesshops" be struck out of the Bill. They had
been instrumental in reducing the number of drunkards,
and of spreading knowledge, and great injury would
result if they were closed at twelve o'clock on Saturday
Bight, and not opened before five o'clock on Sunday
morning, as proposed in the clause.
Mr. NV. PATTEN said many of these shops were now
resorted to after the public-houses were closed, because
the proprietors managed to sell liquors, and thus evade
the law.
Sir G. et.E.EY supported the clause as it stood, believ-
ing that Many of these shops were frequented lay persons
of the worst class.
Mr. OSBORNE opposed the clause, as it would make
ono law for itie poor and another fur the rich. He
saw no inure reason why these coffee-shops should be
(dosed than clubs.
Mr. HUME said if coffee-shops were closed, cabmen,
and others who were compelled to be in the streets; would
be unable to get any refreshment.
Mr. WAELEY said this Bill would transgress the
legitimate limits of legislation. Heretofore the principle
on which the House had acted was the closing of those
houses that sold intoxicating liquors : the Bill would
press most unjustly upon the poor, who, when they were
compelled to be in the streets at night, in order to earn
a subsistence, would be prevented from getting a cup of
coffee.
Colonel THOMPSON said the avowed object of the
Bill was to prevent the sale of intoxicating liquors.
Now neither tea nor coffee were intoxicating beverages,
and it would be a wanton interference with the liberty
of the subject to interfere in the way proposed, and
would, moreover, bring the Government and the House
into contempt and ridicule.
After a short discussion the House divided, when
there appeaved—
For the amendment
Against it . .
Majority
Several other verbal amendments were then agreed to,
and the Bill passed.
LAW OF MARRIAGE.
In answer to a question from Sir R. INGLIS,
Mr. S. WORTLEY said it was his intention to post-
pone his motion for the introduction of a Bill for amend-
ing the 5 and 6 Will. IV., c. 54, so far as related to
marriages within certain degrees of affinity, until next
session.
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS PREVENTION BILL.
Mr. MACKINNON moved the second reading of this
Bill, and intimated that if the motion was assented to he
did not intend to proceed further with the Bill this ses-
sion, as there did not appear to be any prospect of
passing it in the present state of business before the
House.
Mr. CRAVEN BERKELEY trusted that, as there
was no prospect of passing the Bill this session, the
Hon. Member would withdraw it altogether.
After a few observations from Mr. Cornewall Lewis,
the Attorney-General, Mr. Stafford, Mr. Healey, and
Lord Morpeth, who recommended the Hon. Member to
withdraw the Bill,
Mr. MACKINNON ultimately consented to adopt the
suggestion, and postpone it until next session.
SMOKE PREVENTION BILL.
In answer to a question from Mr. BRIGHT,
Mr. NIACKINNON said it was not his intention to
proceed during the present session with the Smoke
Prevention Bill.
STEAM NAVIGATION BILL.
The second reading of this Bill was postponed till to-
morrow.