HC Deb 04 March 1861 vol 161 cc1392-3

Order for Committee read, and discharged.

SIR. GEORGE LEWIS

moved that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee.

MR. MOFFATT

protested against forcing the Bill in that way out of the House. The Bill, he thought, so extremely faulty in its construction as to be incapable of satisfactory amendment in Committee. At the same time there were many Members he knew who took an interest in it, and wished for its discussion in Committee of the Whole House.

SIR JOHN PAKINGTON

said, he for one was of opinion that the Bill was most important, and would effect most important operations. Independently of the question of reform generally, it was a matter that demanded the earnest attention of the House. In every quarter there was a most earnest desire to see the object of the Bill carried out. He hoped, therefore, that the hon. Gentleman would withdraw his objections to the Bill going to a Select Committee.

MR. W. WILLIAMS, Mr. CONINGHAM, and Sir MORTON PETO objected to the Bill in regard both to its application to the Metropolis and to other places.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

said, that full opportunity for discussing the Bill was given on the second reading, and there was no hurry in the matter. When he was asked to refer the Bill to a Select Committee, he consented to do so on the understanding that there should be no discussion on the Motion for going into Committee. There was a question as to the applicability of the Bill to the Metropolis, but, of course, that was a question to be considered in Committee. The provisions of the Bill might not conveniently apply to the Metropolis, and it might be necessary to consider the Metropolis separately.

MR. G. W. HOPE

said, there was an objection to the Bill in the borough he represented.

MR. HENLEY

said, he thought the Bill ought to be deferred for a time.

MR. HUMBERSTON

expressed a similar opinion.

LORD FERMOY

put it to the right hon. Gentleman whether it would not be better to withdraw the Bill in its present state. He himself said that as regarded the Metropolis the Bill ought not be applied to the Metropolis. They would have to go before the Committee to protect their interests against a Bill which he did not wish to apply to the Metropolis. There was no encouragement from any part of the country to proceed with this Bill, but the Metropolis would resist it to the utmost.

MR. FOSTER

suggested that the Bill should be sent to a Select Committee in the ordinary way, where all the interests of parties might be considered, and a good measure be eventually framed.

SIR JOHN SHELLEY

inquired whether it was absolutely necessary for the Metropolis to be represented before the Committee: He did not wish that they should be caught napping.

Motion made, and Question put, "That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee."

The House divided:—Ayes 47; Noes 15: Majority 32.

House adjourned at a quarter after One o'clock.