HC Deb 14 June 1861 vol 163 cc1159-60

Order for Third Reading read.

MR. COWPER

moved the third reading of the Bill.

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

MR. LYGON

asked for some explanation with regard, to it, and moved pro formâ the adjournment of the debate.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Debate be now adjourned."

MR. COWPER

said, the Bill was of a hybrid character, having in its provisions usually contained in a private Bill; it gave power to the Commissioners of Works to purchase the site for the erection of courts for the administration of the law. His hon. and learned Friend the Attorney General had given notice of his intention to introduce a Bill for the transfer of the funds requisite for this purpose, and until that Bill passed into law the measure now before the House would be inoperative. If it were lost by waiting for the money Bill, and had to be renewed another year, the cost of notices and solicitors' fees would have to be repeated.

LORD JOHN MANNERS

said, he was reluctant to interfere with the progress of this "hybrid" Bill, but he thought its final stage ought not to be agreed to until the House was in possession at least of the outlines of the measure to be introduced by the Attorney General, on which its operation was said to depend.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, the Government were of opinion that the Bill ought to go forward this Session without any reference to what might become of the Attorney General's proposal. The latter was of such an extensive character that even had it been introduced it was impossible in the state of public business that it could hitherto have received attention.

MR. COWPER

ultimately consented to pospone the order for the third reading to the following Monday.

Motion and Original Question, by leave, withdrawn.

Third Reading deferred till Monday next.

House adjourned at a quarter after One o'clock, till Monday next.