HC Deb 25 April 1872 vol 210 cc1878-9

Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Amendment proposed to Question, as amended [23rd April], That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, praying Her Majesty that She will be graciously pleased to issue a Royal Commission to inquire into the nature and amount of all endowments in Scotland, the funds of which are devoted to; also to inquire into the administration and management of any Hospitals or Schools supported by such endowments, and into the system and course of study respectively pursued therein, and to report whether any and what changes in the administration and use of such endowments are expedient, by which their usefulness and efficiency may be increased."—(Sir Edward Colebrooke.)

And which Amendment was, to insert the words "charitable or educational purposes" after the words "devoted to" in the Original Motion.—(The Lord Advocate.)

Question again proposed, "That those words be there inserted."

Debate resumed.

MR. M'LAREN

asked whether the rule with respect to Opposed Business not being proceeded with after half-past 12 did not extend to this debate—because he observed upon the Paper a Notice of an Amendment to the Amendment which had been proposed by the Lord Advocate. It seemed to him, therefore, that the rule as to Opposed Business applied.

MR. SPEAKER

I must call attention to the rule in question, which is to this effect—that except with regard to Money Bills, no Order of the Day or Notice of Motion can be proceeded with after half-past 12 o'clock, if opposed, where Notice of opposition has been previously given. No Notice of an Amendment had been given when, on Tuesday last, the Motion was first made; and this being the resumption of an adjourned debate, it is quite in order to continue the discussion.

SIR EDWARD COLEBROOKE

asked Her Majesty's Government if they would consent to withdraw their Amendment, and introduce the words he would suggest to the House? The Resolution would simply stand as he had moved it, and he would only add one or two words to make the inquiry applicable to the institutions he desired—namely, "which have not been reported on by the Commission on the Universities of Scotland Acts."

MR. BRUCE

said, he would undertake, upon the part of the Government, to withdraw the Amendments moved by the hon. and learned Lord Advocate.

MR. M'LAREN

said, he was afraid hon. Members did not take into account that certain words had been struck out of the Motion—namely, the words "the maintenance of education of young persons." If the words proposed by the right hon. and learned Lord Advocate were put in the Resolution it would be quite intelligible; but unless these words were put in it would be nonsense.

MR. CRAUFURD

suggested that the most convenient course to take would be for the hon. Baronet (Sir Edward Colebrooke) to withdraw his Motion, and substitute for it a fresh Motion, in such a form as would obviate the objections that had been urged to the present Resolution.

SIR EDWARD COLEBROOKE

said, he would adopt the suggestion.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. James Lowther.)

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Question again proposed, "That those words be there inserted."

Amendment and Original Motion, by leave, withdrawn.