HC Deb 15 July 1889 vol 338 cc480-1

Order for Second Heading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."

SIR H. DAVEY (Stockton-on-Tees)

I shall not oppose the Second Reading of this Bill, but I hope that before the Bill goes into Committee the Government will carefully consider the effect of the 18th clause of the earlier Act. The effect of that clause was to impose the great burden, both on vendors and purchasers of real estate and other property, of having their contracts stamped with an ad valorem stamp corresponding to the whole amount of the consideration money. The 15th Clause of the present Bill, as I read it, makes confusion worse confounded, and increases instead of remedying the burdens of the 18th Clause of the earlier Act. I trust that before the Bill goes into Committee, the Attorney General will be in a position to propose some improvement of the 15th Clause, which will make the Bill more acceptable to the House.

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

I do not quite agree that Clause 18 imposes burdens on vendors and purchasers of real property. I think that observation goes too far. At the same time I will give my attention to the matter in the interval which elapses between to-day and the Committee stage, and I hope my hon. and learned Friends will give me their assistance in framing a clause to meet any objection.

SIR W. LAWSON

I trust the Committee stage will be taken at a time when we can have full discussion. Clause 25, which relates to the liquor traffic, will cause a good deal of discussion.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for Friday.