Lord Stanley, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, shortly stated its objects, and expressed the hope that late as it was in the Session, looking to the full investigation the subject had undergone elsewhere, and to the difficulty of passing a Bill of one hundred and fifty clauses through the other House, amidst the mass of other business, their Lordships would assent to the second reading, and not render it necessary to renew in another Session a measure which had been so fully discussed.
§ Earl Fitzhardingeexpressed his regret that the Bill should have been introduced so late in the Session. He did not say that the Bill was without value; but there were defects and objections in its details which ought to receive the consideration of the House, and he wished particularly to direct their Lordships' attention to the 151st Clause, giving retrospective powers to the Commissioners to reopen any former award, and alter any allotment, the lapse of time being no bar to their proceedings. A great deal of injustice might result from such a power, and he hoped the subject would receive special attention in Committee. He thought, moreover, that the Bill ought to be referred to a Select Committee.
Lord Stanleyexplained that, although the Commissioners were to be clothed with the power the noble Earl had pointed out, yet, as provided by the 153rd Clause, it could not be exercised without the consent of three-fourths in number or value of the parties interested.
§ Earl Fitzhardingeinquired if the Bill could not be referred to a Select Committee?
Lord Stanleyfeared that at this late period of the Session he could not consent to the wish of the noble Earl, but he would be happy to confer with the noble Earl privately, when, perhaps, he might be able to remove his objections.
§ The Bill was then read a second time.
§ House adjourned.