HC Deb 02 March 1891 vol 350 c2044

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 1.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. MADDEN, Dublin University)

I beg to move that Progress be reported. I agreed to the Second Reading of the Bill inasmuch as the Bill was one tending in the direction of an ultimate development of the local administration of the Bankruptcy Law. I said, however, the principle must be safeguarded in its operation. The Bill deals with an extremely technical subject, and its details require careful consideration, and in some respects revision, to bring them into harmony with existing legislation on the subject, and to safeguard its operation. I would ask the hon. Member to postpone this stage until after Easter.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."

MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I confess I am considerably surprised and disappointed at the speech of the right hon. Gentleman. I speak within the memory of many hon. Members when I say that he assented to the Second Reading on the ground that the discretion rested in the Lord Lieutenant to provide a sufficient safeguard.

MR. MADDEN

I do not make the Motion in any spirit of hostility to the Bill. I stated on the Second Reading that I should never have assented to that stage if the Bill had not contained the safeguard referred to, but I never said, or implied, that I was satisfied with the Bill in its present form. My only desire is that the Bill shall be carefully considered by those well versed in bankruptcy law and proceedings. There is no intention of impeding the progress of the Bill, after Easter, I merely wish to insure it being a safe and useful measure.

Question put, and agreed to.

Committee report Progress; to sit again upon Monday, 13th April.