HC Deb 27 June 1853 vol 128 c905

Order for Third Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the Third Time."

MR. J. D. FITZGERALD

said, that if the question were pressed to a decision that night, he would move that the Bill be read a third time that day six months. It was only last Friday that he became aware that a Bill of this nature was before the House, and he objected to the principle of it, involving, as it appeared to him, retrospective legislation. It was his opinion that the Bill had been introduced at the suggestion of the hon. Member for Limerick (Mr. Russell), because some property had been destroyed in the city which he represented at the last election.

MR. KEOGH

said, he must defend the Bill as a measure that was intended to prevent the destruction of property. As the law previously stood, compensation was only given to parties when their property was totally demolished, and by this measure it was proposed that compensation should also be awarded where the property of the person was only partially destroyed. The hon. and learned Gentleman (Mr. J. D. Fitzgerald) was mistaken if he thought that the Bill was introduced at the instance of the hon. Member for Limerick, the fact being that Judge Perrin had advised the introduction of it.

MR. NAPIER

said, he fully concurred in the propriety of the Bill. He had been requested by the Irish Judges, when in office, to bring in such a measure.

MR. LUCAS

said, there was no such law in England as that proposed by the Bill. It contemplated giving compensation for the destruction of any article whatever, wholly irrespective of house property.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day three mouths."

Question proposed, "That the word 'now' stand part of the Question."— Debate arising; Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Question put: The House divided: — Ayes 71; Noes 10: Majority 61.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 3°, and passed.

House adjourned at a quarter after Two o'clock.