HC Deb 17 July 1856 vol 143 cc1002-3

Order for Committee read; Motion made and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."

MR. WHITESIDE

said, he should move that the Bill be committed that day three mouths. If the Bill passed there would be nothing to prevent a fraudulent creditor in Ireland coming over and getting a judgment here, and then sweeping away all his alleged debtor's property in Ireland, without the possibility of stopping him. He could not see why a private Member should be allowed to revolutionise the law after this fashion at his own pleasure.

MR. P. O'BRIEN

said, he thought that if the principle of the Bill was good, it ought to be introduced as a Government measure. He should second the Amendment.

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

The House divided:—Ayes 51; Noes 39: Majority 12.

Question again proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the chair."

MR. WHITESIDE

said, he should now move the adjournment of the debate. He had frequently stated his objections to the measure, and had not had them answered. He believed it would open the door to innumerable frauds. It was an impolitic Bill—there was no ground for pushing it at that period of the Session.

MR. NAPIER

said, he was opposed to the Bill, as justice could not be done to it at the present period of the Session.

THE LORD ADVOCATE

said, that the Bill was introduced on the 4th of February, and now the right hon. and learned Gentleman said there was not time to consider it. He would, however, recommend his hon. and learned Friend the Member for Ayr, who had charge of the Bill, to withdraw it, and to leave out Ireland when he next introduced it, as he would then have more chance of getting it passed.

MR. CRAUFURD

said, he was afraid he must adopt the suggestion of the right hon. and learned Lord Advocate, and be content with the partial success which the Bill had obtained. He thought, however, he had reason to complain of the hon. and learned Gentleman opposite (Mr. Whiteside), who led him to believe that he would support the Bill, and even agreed to put his name on the back of it. He would not on the present occasion press his Motion, but he would re-introduce it early in the ensuing Session.

Motion and Original Question, by leave, withdrawn.

Bill withdrawn.