HC Deb 05 June 1863 vol 171 cc477-8
MR. C. P. VILLIERS

rose to move for leave to bring in a Bill to facilitate the execution of public work in certain manufacturing districts, and to authorize for that purpose advances of public money, to a limited amount, upon security of local rates. The right hon. Gentleman said that at that late hour he would not attempt to detain the House by any description of the measure, but would merely move for leave.

Motion made, and Question proposed.

MR. FERRAND

objected to the silent introduction of a Bill of such magnitude at that hour of the morning. It would enable the whole of England to be taxed for the benefit of a small portion of the country.

MR. HIBBERT

said, he did not see why leave should not be given to introduce the Bill.

LORD EDWARD HOWARD

thought it very important that the Bill should be introduced, and its contents made known with as little delay as possible.

MR. C. P. VILLIERS

said, the hon. Gentleman opposite misapprehended the character of the Bill. It contained nothing that was not disclosed in the notice.

MR. FERRAND

hoped the right hon. Gentleman would not object to state the amount of interest to be paid on the capital borrowed under the Bill.

MR. C. P. VILLIERS

said the amount would be found in the Bill itself.

MR. FERRAND

could not regard that as a satisfactory answer. If a more intelligible reply were not given, he should divide the House.

MR. C. P. VILLIERS

said, the rate of interest would altogether be governed by the regulations of the Exchequer Commissioners.

MR. FERRAND

did not see why the Government should shrink from answering this plain question.

MR. C. P. VILLIERS

said, the Exchequer Loan Commissioners were not allowed to lend money lower than 3½ per cent.

MR. FERRAND

I am satisfied.

On Motion that Mr. C. P. VILLIERS and Mr. CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER do prepare and bring in the Bill,

MR. HENNESSY

rose to address the House; when—

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. and learned Gentleman is not in order in raising any general discussion on the Bill on the present Motion.

Motion agreed to. Bill to facilitate the execution of Public Works in certain Manufacturing Districts; to authorize, for that purpose, advances of Public Money, to a limited amount, upon security of Local Rates; and, to shorten the period for the adoption of the Local Government Act, 1848, in certain cases, ordered to be brought in by Mr. VILLIERS and Mr. CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER.

Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,

House adjourned at half after Two o'clock till Monday next.