HC Deb 14 July 1859 vol 154 c1279

Order for Committee read.

MR. C. P. VILLIERS moved that this Bill be referred to a Select Committee.

Motion made and Question proposed, "That the Bill be committed to a Select Committee."

MR. WALTER

said, it was too late at that hour (past two o'clock) to discuss this question, and if the Motion were pressed he should move the adjournment of the debate. If the measure was to be referred to a Select Committee, it was important to determine what parts of it were to be made the subject of inquiry. He decidedly objected to all the clauses which would have a retrospective action.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

said, it would be in the power of the Select Committee to amend or even entirely to remodel the Bill.

MR. JOHN LOCKE

condemned the measure as vicious in principle, and opposed its being sent to a Select Committee.

MR. HENLEY

thought the question ought to be discussed by the House, before they were asked to refer it to a Committee.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

did not oppose the measure, but to think of discussing it at that hour was absurd.

MR. EDWIN JAMES

denounced the second clause of the Bill.

VISCOUNT PALMERSTON

assented to the adjournment of the Debate till tomorrow.

Debate adjourned till To-morrow.

The House adjourned at a quarter after Two o'clock.