HL Deb 01 May 1871 vol 205 cc1924-5

Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord Privy Seal.)

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

wished to call attention to some extraordinary language in the Bill. It was said that a charter proposed to be granted should be laid before both Houses of Parliament for a period of 30 days, and during that time it should be lawful for either House to present an Address to Her Majesty praying Her Majesty to withhold her charter. Of course it was lawful, and had long been lawful. But on the principle that expressio unius implied exclusio alterius, if it were lawful to present an Address on this subject, that would exclude the presentation of an Address on any other.

LORD REDESDALE

expressed an opinion that the Bill went to sanction a great innovation on the Royal prerogative.

On Question, Resolved in the Affirmative; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday next.