HC Deb 08 July 1889 vol 337 cc1778-9

Order for Committee read.

* MR. CAUSTON (Southwark)

I beg to move— That it be an Instruction to the Committee that they have power to make provision in the Bill for the removal of disqualification of occupiers and lodgers by reason of the change of their occupation. My object in moving this Instruction is to include in the Bill other disqualifications. I hope the hon. Member for Chelsea (Mr. Whitmore) will approve of the suggestion I make. His object must be the removal of disqualifications, as it is mine. I am prepared to allow the Bill to go into Committee; but I should like to have my Resolution carried beforehand.

Motion made, and Question proposed, 'That it be an Instruction to the Committee that they have power to make provision in the Bill for the removal of disqualification of occupiers and lodgers by reason of the change of their occupation."—(Mr, Cranston.)

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER,) Isle of Wight

I am afraid I cannot agreed to the Motion, as it opens up a far wider question than the Bill is intended to deal with. The Bill removes a grievance which many revising barristers feel exists, and if the hon. Gentleman persists with his Motion the effect would be the stoppage of the Bill. I cannot suppose the hon. Gentleman desires that.

* MR. CAUSTON

I really do not feel justified in withdrawing my Motion. I must press it to a division.

MR. WHITMORE (Chelsea)

I know the hon. Gentleman is most anxious that the Bill should pass into law this Session, and I am grateful to him for the absence of opposition on his part in the past. But let me point out that he is now taking a course which must prevent the Bill passing into law. I have no objection to the Bill which he is now seeking to graft upon this Bill by the Instruction which he is moving; but I do not think any hon. Member on this side of the House would have thought of moving an Instruction on his Bill going into Committee such as he now moves. It will expand this Bill beyond its proper scope. It must lead to undesirable discussion and unnecessary delay. I beg he will, in a practical spirit, allow the Bill to proceed.

* MR. CAUSTON

I cannot accede to the hon. Gentleman's wishes. Perhaps I may point out——

* MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman is aware he cannot go to a division?

* MR. CAUSTON

I desire to explain that I did not oppose the Second Reading of the Bill of my hon. Friend, but when I found my Bill for removing other disqualifications was opposed by hon. Gentlemen opposite, I determined to endeavour to get all the disqualifications I desire to see removed inserted in this Bill.

* MR. SPEAKER

Does the hon. Gentleman persist with the Instruction?

* MR. CAUSTON

Yes, Sir.

The Debate stood adjourned; to be resumed to-morrow.