HC Deb 21 November 1884 vol 294 cc203-4

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. HASTINGS,

in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, said, that he would consent to its being referred to a Select Committee, where every detail could be thoroughly sifted.

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

MR. ELTON

said, that the Bill made a very distinct and important change in the principles of the law applicable to rivers and streams. The creation of a new offence, where a neighbour could not prove an individual nuisance or the public show the act of any particular person, would be a great innovation. He therefore appealed to the Government to adjourn the debate, so as to arrange that the great Corporations and Companies affected might make their wishes known in the matter.

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

House adjourned at a quarter after Eleven o'clock.