§ The DUKE of NEWCASTLEPerhaps my noble Friend would state the object of this Bill, for on looking over it we are unable to ascertain its exact purport, and no explanation of its provisions has been laid before us. I would not call upon the noble Earl to afford us an explanation were it not that no discussion took place in the House of Commons on the subject. Though the attention of several hon. Gentlemen were called to it, it passed there nevertheless without any observation, and we are left in utter ignorance with regard to its provisions.
The EARL of DESARTThe waste lands in the Colonies are always vested in the Crown, and have hitherto been granted and disposed of by the Crown, and the monies arising from the sales of such lands have been appropriated under the authority of the Crown and of the Colonial Legislatures, instead of being carried to the Consolidated Fund, as hereditary casual revenues of the Crown; and this Bill is to authorise that mode of disposing of the monies arising from that source. The proceeds of the waste lands are to be disposed of for the advantage of the colony, and any surplus that remains, after expending what is necessary for the advantage of the colony, is to go to the Consolidated Fund.
§ Bill read 2ª, and committed to a Committee of the whole House.
§ House adjourned till To-morrow.