HC Deb 20 March 1883 vol 277 cc988-9

Order for Committee read.

SIR JOHN LUBBOCK

said, he rose to move that the Speaker leave the Chair in order that the Bill might go into Committee. He had no desire to proceed further until he saw what became of the Government Bankruptcy Bill.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Mr. Speaker do now leave the Chair."—(Sir John Lubbock.)

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

said, that this Bill had been read a second time without discussion; but he had not understood that it was the wish of the hon. Gentleman to proceed with, it to the Committee stage. He would, therefore, have to oppose the Motion, as it would he inconvenient to have two Bankruptcy Bills in Committee at the same time.

SIR JOHN LUBBOCK

merely wished that the Bill should pass into the Committee stage. He did not intend to proceed further with it at present.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

said, he understood that it was the hon. Gentleman's desire to refer the Bill, along with the Government measure, to the Grand Committee.

SIR JOHN LUBBOCK

said, he was not anxious to refer it to the Grand Committee. It was just possible that the Government Bill might not pass into law; and, in that event, his Bill contained provisions on which there was practically no difference of opinion, and it might be passed. If the Government would consent to this he would postpone his Bill for some weeks. He hoped the Government would allow him to take this step.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN

said, he must offer opposition to the hon. Member proceeding further with his Bill at this stage.

Question put.

The House divided:—Ayes 65; Noes 55: Majority 10.—(Div. List, No. 42.)

Bill considered in Committee; Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Thursday 29th March.