HC Deb 12 March 1888 vol 323 cc1023-4

Motion made, and Question proposed That a Committee of Six Members of this House be appointed to join with a Committee of the House of Lords to examine into the present system of Private Bill Legislation, and to report how far, and in what manner, without prejudice to public interests, that system may be modified, with a view to the interests of suitors, the economy of the time of Parliament, and the reduction of costs and charges."—(Mr. William Henry Smith.)

MR. T. M. HEALY (Longford, N.)

asked when the right hon. Gentleman proposed to submit the names of Members to compose this Committee? Would an Irish Member be included? He would suggest that the Motion should be postponed for a week, in order that the nomination might be proposed at the same time.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

said, it was following the usual course to agree to the appointment of such a Committee first, following it up with the nomination after an interval, to allow of the arrangements being made. It would probably be found expedient to include the name of an hon. Member from Ireland.

MR. MACDONALD CAMERON (Wick)

asked, would the right hon. Gentleman undertake that at least one Scotch Member should be nominated?

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, there was every intention of nominating a fairly representative Committee.

Question put, and agreed to.

Ordered, That a Message be sent to the Lords, to acquaint their Lordships, That this House hath appointed a Committee of Six Members to join with a Committee of the Lords to examine into the present system of Private Bill Legislation, and to report how far, and in what manner, without prejudice to public interests, that system may be modified; with a view to the interests of suitors, the economy of the time of Parliament, and the reduction of costs and charges.—(Mr. William Henry Smith.)