HC Deb 01 August 1859 vol 155 cc837-8

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

SIR JOHN SHELLEY

said, he should object to the Bill being proceeded with after twelve o'clock. There was a strong feeling against the Bill.

MR. WHITESIDE

remarked, that he could not see why the Bill might not be considered. The object of the Bill was to remove a clause which was inserted in the Settled Estates Act for no other purpose than to prevent one English gentleman—Sir Thomas Wilson—from ever applying to be heard in a court of justice. The reason assigned for directing such a clause against Sir Thomas Wilson was that he intended to enclose Hampstead Heath; the fact being that he no more intended to enclose that heath than he did to enclose the moon. He had a letter from Sir Thomas Wilson, disclaiming any intention of build- ing on Hampstead Heath. The clause which this Act was intended to repeal was a disgrace to the Statute-book, as by it Sir Thomas Wilson was excluded from obtaining the justice which was the right of every other subject.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

said, that the memory of the right hon. and learned Gentleman was singularly inaccurate in relation to this subject. In the first place, Sir Thomas Wilson was excluded from building upon the heath by express prohibition in the settlement by his father's will. [Mr. WHITESIDE and Mr. MALINS: No, no.] At any rate, his intention to build on the heath was pretty plainly indicated by his petition for Parliamentary powers to enable him to do so, which was, however, refused. The right hon. Gentleman also forgot that he (Sir R. Bethell) co-operated with him in carrying out the views which he had previously expressed. He (Sir R. Bethell) had proposed the clause only as an exponent of other persons; personally, he was sorry that the clause was inserted in the Bill. He was glad to hear from the right hon. Gentleman so express a disclaimer of intention on the part of Sir Thomas Wilson to build on Hampstead Heath,

SIR MORTON PETO moved the adjournment of the debate.

MR. W. WILLIAMS

seconded the Motion, which was agreed to without a division.

Debate adjourned till To-morrow.