HC Deb 27 March 1890 vol 343 cc124-5

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee).

Clause 1.

MR. A. O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)

Upon this Bill I desire to offer a few observations, general and particular. In the first place——

THE CHAIRMAN

This first clause contains only the short title, and I do not think the hon. Member would be in order in discussing the merits of the Bill upon this clause.

DR. TANNER (Cork, Mid)

Seeing that on a recent occasion when this Bill was before us, and at some such an hour as this, the First Lord of the Treasury cut short the discussion with the Closure-Motion, and seeing that there is no time now for debate, I trust the right hon. Gentleman will agree to postpone the Bill to afford opportunity for raising the few points that require discussion. In order that this stage may not be hurried through, as the Second Reading was, I move that you now report Progress.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do now report Progress, and ask leave to sit again.—(Dr. Tanner.)

SIR G. CAMPBELL (Kirkcaldy)

The other night, in the course of a 10 minutes discussion, I ventured to ask for an explanation which, however. I did not get, and the First Lord stopped all discussion with the Closure. I hope, 'therefore, the Government will not attempt to press the Bill further now, but will accept the Motion and report Progress.

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

I have no objection to the Motion, but let me remind the hon. Gentleman that an explanation was given to the effect that, under an arrangement entered into 20 years ago, the Indian Government paid five per cent. on the company's capital, and that payment would continue for a long term of years, unless the Government availed themselves of the right of purchase which the agreement gives them this year. By the exercise of that power the Government will effect an economy of £36,000 a year in Indian expenditure. If the Bill is defeated, the effect will be that the Government of India will pay £36,000 a year more for the entire period of the agreement. However, I consent to the Adjournment now.

MR. A. O'CONNOR

I wish to explain that I am opposing the Bill, not from any motives of obstruction, but because I believe the Bill is a mistake financially and in other respects.

It being 12 o'clock, the Chairman left the Chair to report to the House.

Committee report Progress: to sit again to-morrow.