§ Order read, for resuming adjourned Debate on Question [22nd June],"That the words 'it be referred to a Select Committee to consider whether any and what regulations are necessary for the better protection of the Inmates of Establishments of a con- 679 ventual nature, and for the prevention of the exercise of undue influence in procuring the alienation of their property,' be there added."
§ Question again proposed.
§ Debate resumed.
§ MR. CRAVEN BERKELEYsaid, that deprecating religious discussions in that House, he had a suggestion to offer, which he hoped would meet the approval even of the Catholic Members who were so hostile to this Bill. It was, that instead of a Select Committee, a Commission should be appointed similar to that which already existed with reference to Maynooth College. He wished to know whether his hon. and learned Friend the Member for Bath would object to such a proceeding?
§ MR. PHINNsaid, he was in the hands of the House. He confessed he was not very much in love with his own Amendment, and would gladly accede to any kind of inquiry which might be likely to obtain the approbation of the House.
§ MR. NEWDEGATEsaid, that with however little favour the hon. and learned Member's Amendment might be regarded by himself, it had not the approval of a majority of that House, whoso property it now was. He would suggest that the hon. and learned Member should name Wednesday the 20th, as the County Rates Bill was fixed for Wednesday the 13th of July.
§ MR. PHINNsaid, he would assent to this suggestion, and would move that the debate be adjourned to Wednesday the 20th. He begged to say in explanation, that, in saying he was not enamoured with his Amendment, he had not intended to give a pretext for the suspicion that he had not proposed it in good faith. What he meant was, that he was not in love with the first portion of it. He had received suggestions from all sides of the House to limit the Amendment simply to the second portion, which had reference to the prevention of undue influence in the alienation of property; and he was given to understand that if the Amendment were so restricted, it would probably be accepted by the House.
§ MR. G. H. MOOREsaid, he should move as an Amendment on the original Motion, that the debate be adjourned to that day six months.
§ Amendment proposed, to leave out the words "Wednesday 20th July," in order 680 to add the words, "this day six months," instead thereof.
§ Question put, "That the words 'Wednesday 20th July' stand part of the Question."
§ The House divided: —Ayes 83; Noes 35; Majority 48.
§ Debate further adjourned till Wednesday 20th July.