SECOND READING. (Hansard, 16 March 1857)

§ SIR HENRY WILLOUGHBY

said, that at the close of last Session there had been some understanding that the Bill should be printed. It was an important Bill, and should be printed, like all other Bills, in order that Members might see in what form its provisions were expressed—if it was in the form of the usual Appropriation Bill, or if there was any change from the ordinary proceeding. He at the same time would call the attention of the Government to the measures proposed for 2369 the Savings Banks. Communications had been received from various quarters, to the effect that strong objections existed to their being placed under the National Debt Office, as well as to the reduction in the amount of deposits. The vast mass of accounts was for small sums of a few shillings. He urged this matter on the attention of the Government before the details came before that House, and begged them to consider the opposition made to the proposal.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that in strictness an Appropriation Bill was not required at the end of this Session, as no Votes had been taken except on account. It was, however, thought desirable to have an appropriation. The precedent of 1841 had been followed, in which an Appropriation Act had been passed, that the Votes for the civil service might be appropriated to the several purposes for which they were voted. He had no objection to printing the Bill, but there was no especial reason for so doing this Session. At the end of last Session there was a special reason. He was obliged to the hon. Baronet for his remarks on the Savings Banks, and would take care that the point should be considered before the Bill was again laid before Parliament.