HC Deb 18 May 1870 vol 201 cc893-4

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Buxton.)

MR. BRUCE

said, he had no objection to the Motion, on the understanding that the Bill would be referred to the same Select Committee as the Municipal Boroughs (Metropolis) Bill.

MR. BENTINCK

said, he did not clearly understand the views of the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the municipal government of the metropolis, and to give him an opportunity of explaining them he would move that this Bill be read a second time that day six months.

Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the Question to add the words "upon this day six months."—(Mr. Bentinck.)

Question proposed, "That the word; 'now' stand part of the Question."

MR. BRUCE

said, he apprehended that the points referred to the Select Committee on the former Bill were into how many districts the metropolis should be divided, and what the area of each should be. The principle of the former Bill, and of the present, as he understood, was that the metropolis should be divided into districts, with local powers of government, and that principle he supported.

COLONEL SYKES

said, he regarded both the former Bill and the present as intended for the destruction of the present municipality of London, and therefore he should oppose the present Bill as he opposed the last.

MR. SAMUDA

said, he must also protest against the principle of both Bills.

MR. AYRTON

said, he trusted there would be no Division on this Bill, and that all the Bills for the government of London would be allowed to go before a Select Committee, which would have power to deal with the whole question, and might come back to the House for instructions if any difficulty occurred in the investigation.

MR. ALDERMAN LUSK

agreed that it was a proper course to send the Bill to a Select Committee if the House agreed to the principle of the Bill; but he did not agree with the principle of the Bill, and he did not know any one who did. He was sure that his own borough (Finsbury) was opposed to the expense that this Bill would entail upon them. He moved that the debate be now adjourned.

VISCOUNT ENFIELD

said, he would support the adjournment, as he found there was a third Bill affecting the county of Middlesex, which he must oppose.

MR. BUXTON

consented.

Debate adjourned till Monday next.