HC Deb 01 March 1875 vol 222 cc1039-40

Order for Committee read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."—(Mr. W. R. Smith.)

MR. COWPER-TEMPLE

said, that as he saw it was the intention of Her Majesty's Government to have the Order discharged, and the Bill referred to a Select Committee, he hoped the course now adopted would not prevent the Bill from being so altered in that Committee as to make it extend to one year instead of two.

MR. LOCKE

said, it would be impossible for the Commission to complete their scheme respecting Epping Forest in such time as would enable legislation to take place next year, and it was desirable, therefore, that this Bill should continue for a period of two years, as was proposed.

MR. SHAW-LEFEVRE

wished to know on what grounds it was proposed to refer the Bill to a Select Committee. If it was a mere formality, he would suggest that on the present occasion the formality should be dispensed with.

MR. W. H. SMITH

said, it was done on the suggestion of the Examiner of Private Bills, and in compliance with the Forms of the House, it being really a Private Bill. The Government was anxious to have the question involved in the Bill settled as early as possible, and if it was found that a continuance for one year would be sufficient, the necessary alteration could be made in the Bill at a future stage.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

MR. W. H. SMITH

moved that the Order that the Bill be committed be discharged:—That the Bill be referred to a Select Committee.

Motion agreed to.

Order for Committee read, and discharged. Bill committed to a Select Committee, to consist of Five Members:—Mr. GOLDNEY, Mr. MASSEY, Mr. WINN, and Two to be nominated by the Committee of Selection.—(Lord Henry Lennox.)