HC Deb 06 March 1860 vol 157 cc69-70

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. PAULL moved the second reading of this Bill, upon the understanding that it would be afterwards referred to a Select Committee.

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

MR. RIDLEY

opposed the Bill, on the ground that it conferred enormous powers on the Board of Admiralty, which already had enough to do in superintending and providing for the naval defences of the country.

LORD CLARENCE PAGET

said, he could only assent to the second reading of the Bill upon the understanding that it should be referred to a select Committee. If the principle of the measure were carried out with due consideration it might lead to a vast saving in the preliminary inquiries relative to the improvement of piers and harbours.

MR. FINLAY

condemned the Bill as wrong in principle, inasmuch as it proposed to devolve upon the Admiralty powers which ought only to be exercised by a Committee of this House.

MR. BOUVERIE

suggested that time ought to be given for the consideration of the details of the measure, and moved the adjournment of the debate.

SIR GEORGE LEWIS

observed that he entirely approved of the suggestion that more time ought to be allowed for examining the details of the Bill.

MR. PAULL

said, in that case he would consent to the debate being adjourned.

Debate adjourned till to-morrow.