HC Deb 13 April 1869 vol 195 cc679-80
MR. FAWCETT

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What course he intends to take, in reference to the Inclosure Bill now before Parliament; and, whether the Government will consent to the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the general subject of Inclosures?

MR. BRUCE

said, in reply, that he was extremely anxious to meet the wishes of hon. Members interested in the Bill; but it did not appear expedient to him that, after the third reading had been fixed, the Bill should be re-committed, and inquired into by a Committee of the Whole House. At the same time, after the statements that had been made, it did seem very important that the subject should be inquired into, and the conduct of the Inclosure Commissioners cleared up. He would consent to a Select Committee to inquire—not into the whole subject—but into the administration of those acts in reference to the allotments for the poor; and if the hon. Gentleman would move for such a Committee, he would suspend the further progress of the Bill, on the understanding that the Bill should be expeditiously proceeded with, so that the Report might be made before the end of the Session, and that, if it should then be thought expedient, the third reading of the Bill should be carried.

MR. FAWCETT

gave notice that he would move for such a Committee, and would leave the House to decide what the terms of the reference should be.