HC Deb 30 July 1889 vol 338 cc1789-90

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. H. H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton)

I expected the Attorney General to make a statement as to this Order. He has not done so, and I would suggest that the Order be discharged.

* THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Mr. GOSCHEN,) St. George's, Hanover Square

The Government are anxious that the Bill should be proceeded with, but if there is any general desire that this should not be done, the Government, in view of the understanding that no Bill to which there is any serious opposition should be pushed on at the fag end of the Session, will certainly not press it. They will, however, withdraw the Bill with some regret, and in the hope that it may be taken up again early next Session. I suggest that the Order shall not be discharged until the feeling of the House has been ascertained on the subject,

* MR. HALDANE (Haddington)

The Bill in its present form is bound to meet with most strenuous opposition from Scotch and Irish Members, because the English Lord Chancellor would have the power of altering the law of trusts in Scotland and Ireland.

MR. WHITLEY (Liverpool)

I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that the Bill will meet with a strenuous and strong opposition.

MR. H. H. FOWLER

I quite agree that the question is an important one. But I would suggest that this Bill, and another lower down on the Paper, should be referred to a Select Committee, where the whole subject could be thoroughly threshed out. This Bill will meet with the most strenuous and consistent opposition. It is a Bill not to legislate, but to give the Lord Chancellor power to legislate.

* MR. GOSCHEN

Sir, after that declaration, I move that the Order be discharged, on condition that the Order for the other Bill is also discharged.

Order discharged accordingly, and Bill withdrawn.