§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That it is expedient to prolong the term of certain annuities, and to amend the law relating to the National Debt, the Customs, and the Inland Revenue."—(Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer.)
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON (Dundee)said he understood that the Resolution was a formal one, but he was quite certain that the vast majority of the Committee did not understand what it meant. He did not think it desirable that any Resolution, however formal, should be passed without its object being understood by the Committee.
§ * Sir M. HICKS BEACHThis Resolution is one which, in my own interest, I would be content not to pass. The effect of it is to enable the House to move Amendments to the Finance Bill in relation to matters not in the Budget at all. The Resolution is considered essential to the liberties of the House of Commons.