HC Deb 16 July 1851 vol 118 cc837-8

Order for Committee read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."

The SOLICITOR GENERAL

said, he felt bound to give the Bill his decided opposition. The Bill proposed to alter in a small degree the Law of Mortmain, respecting which there was at this time an inquiry going on, and upon which there was no necessity for hasty legislation. He should therefore move that the Bill be committed this day three months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out from the word "That" to the end of the Question, in order to add the words, "this House will, upon this day three months, resolve itself into the said Committee," instead thereof.

Question proposed, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the Question."

MR. MULLINGS

denied that the effect of the Bill would be as described by the hon. and learned Gentleman. Its object was only to cure certain technical defects in deeds relating to certain charities. At present, the mode adopted was to convey the property in trust, and as this could not he done with copyhold estate, the Bill was meant to meet that case.

MR. HEADLAM

said, the Bill would apply to both past and future Charitable Trusts. But as there was no pressing-necessity for the Bill this Session, he should oppose its further progress.

MR. CHISHOLM ANSTEY

said, that the Committee on Mortmain had taken some most important evidence, which would shortly be reported to the House; he should therefore oppose the further progress of the Bill. He should oppose every attempt at granting further facilities for charitable endowments, until the House had considered the question whether concessions made to charities should not be accompanied by restrictions. The Statute of Mortmain was palpably ineffectual for preventing undue spiritual influence. He was opposed to the Bill as granting concessions to an interest which was more deserving of restriction at the hands of Parliament.

LORD HARRY VANE

expressed his hope that the Bill would be withdrawn. It was desirable that the Statute of Mortmain should be dealt with comprehensively.

MR. MULLINGS

said, he would not press the Bill against the feeling of the House.

Amendment and Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill withdrawn.