HC Deb 03 August 1882 vol 273 cc723-4

(Mr. Courtney, Mr. Herbert Gladstone.)

SECOND READING.

Order for Second Reading read.

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

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

said, he did not rise to oppose the Bill; but he wished very much that his right hon. Friend the late Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was absent because he was unwell, had had an opportunity of seeing the Bill, and he hoped such an oppor- tunity would be given before the Bill went into Committee. There was one question he would like to ask in reference to the 25th clause—whether it affected the rights of the Crown in the Duchy of Lancaster? It seemed a strong measure to put the clause in the Bill, and it might affect the principle of the rights of the Crown in other matters. He did not know which Member of the Ministry could answer the question. Offices were so duplicated he did not remember who represented the Duchy of Lancaster; perhaps the Attorney General could answer?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)

said, when the present Government came into Office they found a long-continued litigation proceeding in reference to rights to escheats and fines in the Duchy of Lancaster. The costs in the suit had greatly exceeded the amount involved, and efforts were made by the Chancellor of the Duchy to bring this litigation to an end; and this at last was effected by a compromise, in which a sum was to be paid by the Treasury to the Duchy, and the Treasury would receive in return a sum equal to 10 per cent yearly from the Duchy. Everything had been done to bring the litigation to an end; and if this had not been done the costs which would have fallen on the taxpayers would have been a much larger sum.

SIR R. ASSHETON CROSS

said, he would be satisfied provided there was nothing in the Bill to imperil the right of the Crown in the Duchy.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)

said, no; the Duchy was paid for all that was taken.

MR. COURTNEY

said, it was not proposed to take the Committee until Monday.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Monday next.