§ The Speaker having called the Order of the Day for going into Committee on the above Bill,
Mr. Poulett Thomsonsaid, that before the Order of the Day was read, he wished to make a proposition to the House, His proposal would be simply to consolidate the law as it at present existed. He would propose, therefore, with a view to the convenience of the Customs, merchants, and the trade generally, for the purpose of bringing into one Act of Parliament, that which was now contained in a great many Acts of Parliament, to consolidate simply the law as it stood at present, and not to make any alteration whatever. If the House should concur in this view of the question, he could pledge himself, as far as he was able, upon the authority of the legal gentlemen who had drawn up those Bills, that there should be in substance no alteration whatever—that with respect to the nine Bills it would be a simple and pure consolidation, without any change. If the House adopted his view, he was prepared to go on with those Bills; but if the House should not agree to that proposal, but be of opinion, contrary to former practice, and contrary to the experience of former times, that it was right to take the opportunity of a consolidation to make changes in the law, it was perfectly obvious that it would be utterly impossible for him to proceed with the Bills; and he should best suit the views of the House, and consult its convenience, by entirely withdrawing them. If Gentle- 6 men meant to take the opportunity of suggesting alterations, they would lead to discussions of such a length, that it would be wholly impracticable at this late period to get the Bills passed this Session. On the understanding, therefore, that the nine Bills were simply matters of consolidation, he hoped the House would allow them to go through the Committee pro formâ.
§ Mr. Humecoincided in the suggestion of the right hon. Gentleman, except that it might be necessary for some Members who were practically acquainted with the subject, to draw the attention of the Government to some particular points. But, as regarded the Customs' Duties Bill, it was intended to make some very important alterations, and he would rather forego the discussion upon the others in order to discuss the latter Bill, which would take up a considerable time.
§ Mr. George F. Youngsuggested that it would be much better to proceed first with those Bills upon which no question could arise; but, with respect to the Registry of Vessels Bill he had great objections to it, as very pernicious in principle.
§ The British Possessions Bill was committed pro forma.