HC Deb 15 July 1844 vol 76 cc871-5

On the Motion that the Duchy of Cornwall Assessionable Manors' Bill be read a second time.

Captain Plumridge

objected on account of the absence of many hon. Gentlemen, who were to take part in the discussion of it, and on account of its seriously affecting the rights of individuals who had had no time to examine its provisions and oppose it. He moved "that the further consideration of the Bill be deferred."

Sir R. Peel

One of the reasons on account of which Government make no progress in Bills is, that continually their farther progress in them is delayed, because some hon. Gentleman interested in them is absent. The reason of Government bringing forward this Bill is, to prevent litigation, and to apply the principle of prescription to Duchy lands as well as Church lands. The Bill meets with the entire approval of the Duchy of Cornwall and its inhabitants, indeed, I have reason to believe that the Bill meets with universal approbation. The right hon. Baronet then read several of the Clauses of the Bill, and said there would be an opportunity of discussing them when in Committee. The Bill has met with the cordial concurrence of all concerned in it, and my only reason for pressing it is, I repeat, that we are anxious that the principles of prescription shall apply to Duchy lands as well as Church lands. I do hope, under these circumstances, that the hon. and gallant Gentleman will not prevent the House from dividing upon the measure at once.

Mr. V. Smith

hoped that his hon. and gallant Friend would not press his objection, which could be as well discussed in Committee.

The Earl of Lincoln

could assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman, that all concerned in the Duchy of Cornwall had been fully informed of the particulars and details of the Bill. He trusted that the hon. and gallant Gentleman would not press his objections, as he hoped to be able to make such arrangements as would be satisfactory to him.

Captain Plumridge

was unwilling to go in opposition to the sense of the House, which as he perceived was against him and he would not press his Motion.

Mr. Howes

had had strong protests forwarded to him against the further progress of this Bill. He had replied to those protests, that he knew nothing of the Bill, and when he assured the House that since the 31st of June, no less than forty Bills had been introduced, he was sure that he must stand acquitted of any neglect. He hoped as the Bill had been so lately introduced, that further time would be given for the consideration of it.

Sir R. Peel

I beg to say, that this Bill was introduced before the 31st of June. The Government has been in communication with all parties affected by it, and as far as they are concerned, it is unopposed.

Bill read a second time.

Adjourned at Twelve o'clock.