§ MR. R. HODGSONsaid, he would beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, What course he intends to pursue with reference to the Report and Resolutions of the Private Bill Legislation Committee?
§ MR. MILNER GIBSON, in reply, said, the Committee on Private Bill Legislation had come to a number of Resolutions. Two of the principles of these were recommendations that Bills should be brought in for the purpose of facilitating Private Bill Legislation. The first related to a class of Bills which were already before the House and had already passed through Committee. The Bill to which the second Resolution referred, which would enable persons without coming to Parliament for a special Act to do certain things, was under preparation. It required, however, great care, and it would not be possible to get it ready for the present Session. There were some other Resolutions which, to give them effect, required the co-operation of the other House of Parliament. He thought, with respsct to this, it would be better to wait until the evidence had been considered and they had an opportunity of knowing what would be done by the other House. With regard to the remaining Resolutions which related exclusively to fees and other matters exclusively within the jurisdiction of the House itself, they were under consideration; but he had not yet been able to make up his mind as to the best and most useful course to take.
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONAre we to understand that no action will be taken on these Resolutions this Session?
§ MR. MILNER GIBSONI do not say that; neither do I say the reverse. I say that it is under consideration.
§ SIR JAMES FERGUSSONI think we ought to know within what time any action will be taken upon these Resolutions.
§ MR. MILNER GIBSONI trust I shall be able to state on Tuesday next positively what course will be taken.