§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER,in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, said it was a measure about which many persons felt particularly anxious; but it would be unreasonable in him, after the long debate they had just had, to detain the House with any statement of its general objects, the more so as he did not believe there was any intention to contest its principles. He wished to be governed by what might appear to be the general wish of the House, but he would suggest that the more convenient course would be to read the Bill a second time now, and to allow some time to elapse before the Committee, when he would propose to take the discussion.
§ MR. VANCEsaid, he must object to the second reading without a full statement of the purposes and objects of the measure, 125 He considered that it should have, a retrospective operation, so that those poor persons who had suffered from the defalcations of savings hanks might he repaid their Josses.
§ MR. H. HERBERTthought the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Vance) was defeating his Own object by opposing the second reading of the Bill. If he wished the Bill to have a retrospective operation, the proper course was to allow the Bill to be read a second time and to move a clause in Committee to carry out his object.
§ MR. GROGANsaid, he hoped the appeal of his hon. Colleague (Mr. Vance) would meet with the attention of the House.
§ MR. SOTHERONsaid, that as the Statements of the right hon. Gentleman (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) might be made on going into Committee, he hoped the House would allow the Bill to be read a second time then.
§ LORD CLAUD HAMILTONsaid, he thought that the settlement of the general question of savings banks would pave the way for the compensation which his friends the Members for Dublin asked for.
§ MR. GEACHsaid, he would not oppose the second reading of the Bill, hut he hoped he would not be precluded thereby from opposing many of the provisions of the Bill which he thought objectionable.
§ Bill read 2°.