HC Deb 13 March 1856 vol 141 cc119-20

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. PELLATT

said, that the mercantile public were very anxious for the passing of the Bill. The committee of London bankers and the committee of the Stock Exchange were in favour of the Bill, and the Directors of the Bank of England were at least neutral. He, however, must now propose to postpone the second reading of the Bill until the 2nd of April.

MR. MASTERMAN

said, that the public asked for nothing by the Bill but the continuance of a practice which had prevailed from time immemorial. The Bill was not specially demanded by the bankers to protect their interests, but was necessary for the protection of the community at large.

MR. WILSON

said, he would consider the Bill during the recess. It would be necessary to take care that the Bill did not interfere with the Stamp Act, and that it carried out the object for which it was designed.

Second reading deferred till Wednesday, April 2.

The House adjourned at half after Twelve o'clock.