HC Deb 17 February 1863 vol 169 c468
MR. MILNER GIBSON

moved for a Select Committee, "to inquire into the present system of legislation with regard to undertakings requiring the authority of Private Acts of Parliament, and whether any improvements can be made therein."

MR. WHALLEY

said, that although he thought the House had already before it sufficient information to enable it to legislate upon this subject, he should not oppose the appointment of this Committee. At the same time, be hoped that it would not follow the course pursued in 1846, 1853, and 1858, but would consider whether the time had not arrived when the House ought to delegate its functions in this respect to some permanent tribunal to be constituted to exercise them.

Motion agreed to.

Select Committee appointed, To inquire into the present system of legislation with regard to undertakings requiring the authority of Private Acts of Parliament, and whether any improvements can be made therein.

MR. HADFIELD

said, he would move that it be an instruction to the Committee to relieve parties resisting the taking away from them of property by Private Bills from the House fees, shorthand-writers' expenses, and other costs.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That it be an Instruction to the Committee to consider the justice and propriety of exempting parties who shall appear before any Committee to resist the taking of property belonging to them, under powers proposed to be taken under a Private Bill, or for Clauses respecting the same, from the payment of fees, or the expense of shorthand-writers' notes, or other House fees.

MR. MILNER GIBSON

said, it was not usual to instruct a Committee to do that which it could do without such an instruction. Of course, the whole question would be considered by the Committee, and that of fees was within the scope of the inquiry. He hoped the hon. Gentleman would not press his addition.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn. And on Friday February 20, Committee nominated, as follow:—

MR. MILNER GIBSON, Mr. LOWE, Colonel WILSON PATTEN, Mr. ADAIR, Mr. WHALLEY, Mr, RICHARD HODGSON, Lord STANLEY, Mr. EDWARD PLEYDELL BOUVERIE, Mr. WALPOLE, Mr. MASSEY, Mr. PULLER, Mr. HASSARD, Mr. PAULL, Mr. CHARLES FORSTER, and Mr. LIDDELL.

House adjourned at half after Twelve o'clock.