§ Order read, for resuming Adjourned Debate on Question [1st June], "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ Question again proposed.
§ Debate resumed.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time.
§ MR. RAIKESmoved that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee, Four Members to be nominated by the House and Three by the Committee of Selection. He took that course because there were many matters connected with the measure which could be more conveniently inquired into before what was termed an hybrid Committee than before an ordinary Select Committee. The Bill was an opposed Bill, and it was of the very highest importance that the collateral issues involved in it should be thoroughly and carefully investigated, and that such investigation should not be prevented by any questions of locus standi. The mode in which the debenture capital had been raised was one of the questions to which the preceding remark specially applied. He wished to take that opportunity of expressing 1487 his belief that the original directors of the Company were gentlemen of the highest respectability.
Bill committed to a Select Committee of Seven Members, Four to be nominated by the House, and Three by the Committee of Selection.
Ordered, That, subject to the Rules, Orders, and Proceedings of this House, all persons affected by the said Bill have leave to appear by their Agents, Counsel, and Witnesses in support of any Petitions which have been presented praying to be heard against the Bill, and Counsel heard in favour of the Bill against such Petitions.Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records; Five to be the quorum.