HC Deb 24 June 1864 vol 176 cc301-2

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time,"—(Mr. Frederick Peel.)

MR. GEORGE

said, that this Bill was a most unjust one, though in a very small compass. There was in existence no Act of Parliament which gave rent charges for drainage a priority over other incumbrances as regards unimproved land; and as he objected to such a priority, he begged to move that the Bill be read a second time that day three months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three months."—(Mr. George.)

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."

MR. BAGWELL

said, he did not see what was the use of the Bill, for until the Government undertook the arterial drainage of the country nothing could be done.

MR. PEEL

said, that the Act of the; last Session was coming into rather extensive operation, and it would be very undesirable if, after all the trouble that had been taken to form district boards, they should find that the security which they could give the Government for loans was not such as it could accept. The Bill was mainly intended to repair that defect; and he could not see, therefore, what exception could be taken to it. The mortgages of persons who had a priority of claim before the Government would really be improved by the draining of the land; but if there were any case of hardship, he should be glad to insert words in Committee to meet it.

MR. WHITESIDE

said, that there was something in the objection to the Bill, but as the right hon. Gentleman proposed to improve it in Committee, he would not oppose the second reading.

MR. O'HAGAN (THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND)

said, the land drained would often not be worth the expense of the drainage, and therefore the cost was proposed to be secured on the adjoining land not required to be drained; otherwise the money would not be advanced at all for; the draining. He would suggest that the second reading should be agreed to, modifications being made in Committee,

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 2o, and committed for Monday next.

House adjourned at One o'clock, till Monday next.