HC Deb 10 February 1880 vol 250 cc386-7

Order for Second Reading read.

SIR JOHN LUBBOCK

said, that he did not wish to stand between the House and the adjourned debate on the Address, which in the present critical state of Ireland was, of course, of paramount importance; and, accordingly, if there was any desire to discuss the Bill on the Second Reading, he would willingly adjourn the consideration. At the same time, as it was substantially the same Bill as that which passed the House last year after considerable discussion, but without opposition, and which was only withdrawn in the Lords on account of the lateness of the Session, he hoped, perhaps, the House would agree to the Second Reading. So far as the enacting clauses went, the Bill was the same as last year; but they had adopted some suggestions of the learned Lord Advocate and of Lord Selborne, necessitating a majority of three-quarters of the shareholders in the case of any Company acting under the provisions of the Bill, giving certain rights to dissentient shareholders, and providing for full information. The Bill had been very carefully considered by high legal authority; he could assure the House that it was generally approved by commercial men, and he hoped, therefore, that the House would agree to the Second Reading.

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

MR. J. G. TALBOT

said, that on the part of the Government he had no objection to the Second Reading, on the understanding that the Board of Trade were to be at liberty to introduce Amendments in Committee, if they saw necessity for so doing.

Motionagreed to.

Bill read a second time, andcommittedforFriday.