HC Deb 12 March 1858 vol 149 cc162-3

MR. CAIRD, in moving for leave to bring in a Bill to provide for the collection of agricultural statistics, said he had introduced a similar Bill towards the close of last Session, but did not press it beyond the first reading, as his only object then was to bring it under public notice, intending to proceed with it this Session. The present Bill was the same in principle; the inquiry would not be compulsory, but he had adopted a more simple machinery, which would attain the end at much less cost. The amount of acreage sown with a particular crop was the most important fact to ascertain, and it was the only information it was in the power of the House to attain under the influence of an Act.

MR. HENLEY

said, he would not oppose the introduction of the Bill, more especially as he understood its operation was to be confined to ascertaining the amount of acreage. That was the information there would be the least objection to give. He should, however, reserve to himself the right to oppose the measure at a future stage, if he did not approve of its provisions.

MR. PACKE

said, the Bill of last Session contained a clause authorizing certain official persons, in case of refusal to make a return, to enter upon the land of occupiers in the month of June, and if this Bill contained any similar clause he should give it his most determined opposition.

MR. BALL

said, the Hill of last Session was so objectionable that any Bill emau- ating from the same quarter would naturally be looked upon by agriculturists gene- rally with suspicion; but as he understood that the most objectionable parts of the former Bill were omitted in the present one, he was prepared to give the measure his best consideration.

MR. BENTINCK

said, he also objected in the strongest manner to the clause alluded to by the hon. Member for South Leicestershire. He could imagine nothing more compulsory than that clause, and unless it was expunged he should give his uncompromising opposition. Indeed, he considered it a complete waste of time to discuss such a Bill at all, and regretted that the right hon. Gentleman (Mr. Henley) had assented to its introduction.

Leave given.

Bill ordered to be brought in by Mr. CAIRD and Mr. GARNETT.

Bill presented and read 1°.

House adjourned at One o'clock till Monday next.