HC Deb 15 February 1858 vol 148 cc1367-8

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

MR. M'MAHON

said, he should move that the Bill be read a second time that day six months. Its object was to enable the Corporation of Belfast to give securities for a large sum of money which they had borrowed beyond their Parliamentary power, and which the ratepayers contended they had wastefully and extravagantly expended. As a middle course he would suggest that the second reading should be postponed for a month, until the ratepayers had had time to meet and consider the matter, and if they should agree to make themselves responsible, the opposition of the Bill could be withdrawn.

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

Question proposed, "That the word ' now'. stand part of the Question."

MR. CAIRNS

said, that the Bill was identical with one which had been introduced last year and read a second time without a division. There were many matters which required to be investigated, and he trusted that the House would not depart from the ordinary course in such cases, but would allow the Bill to be read a second time and then sent before a Select Committee.

MR. FITZROY

said, he was of opinion that this was one of those Bills which it was the practice of the House to refer for investigation to a Select Committee. The House would be departing from its usual practice if it rejected the second reading of the Bill.

MR. M'MAHON

said, he would not, after the remarks of the hon. Member, trouble the House with dividing.

Amendment by leave withdrawn.

Main Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read 2°, and committed.