HC Deb 31 July 1877 vol 236 cc318-9

(Mr. William Henry Smith.)

[BILL 182.] COMMITTEE.

MR. BERESFORD HOPE

said, this Bill was looked upon with some apprehension, which was natural, considering its subject-matter, but which, he believed would be found exaggerated, or might be made so by prudent Amendments. It would be some satisfaction if the hon. Gentleman the Secretary to the Treasury could state what was the greatest possible extent to which the destruction of documents would go.

MR. ASSHETON

regretted that no steps had been taken to appoint a Committee in conformity with a suggestion of Sir Thomas Hardy, to inquire what documents ought to be destroyed, and what documents ought not to be destroyed.

MR. W. H. SMITH

thought it was not desirable at present to enter upon the subject referred to by the hon. Members. He was most anxious to get the Bill into Committee. The provisions of the Bill had been most carefully considered, and he would undertake that the Committee should be resumed on an early date, and that due consideration should be given to the point which had been raised.

Bill considered in Committee; Committee report Progress; to sit again To-morrow.