HC Deb 17 August 1857 vol 147 cc1766-7

Order for Committee read.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

said, he had assented to the second reading of this Bill believing that its professed object—to relieve innocent trustees from the liability of acts into which they had been led by misapprehension—was one worthy of being considered. He, however, found that the details of the Bill were so inconsistent, so obscure, and so inadequate for the object contemplated, that it would be useless to go into Committee unless they were prepared to spend at least three days in reducing it to a practicable shape. He would undertake next Session to introduce a measure which should be better adapted to the end sought, and he therefore hoped the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Walpole) would not press the one now before the House.

MR. WALPOLE

said, that as the Bill had received considerable alteration in the other House, and at the hands of those who were perfectly acquainted with the subject, he might well be permitted to demur to the description given by the hon. and learned Gentleman of its details. At the same time, as the hon. and learned Gentleman engaged to introduce a more complete measure next Session of Parliament, and although he scarcely believed the discussion of the Bill in Committee would occupy the time stated by the hon. and learned Gentleman, he should consent to its withdrawal.

Committee deferred till this day fortnight.