§ [THIRD READING.]
§ Order of the Day for Third Reading read.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 3a."—(The Marquess of Linlithgow.)
§ THE EARL OF WEMYSSMy Lords, as I had charge of the Amendments which were drafted by the Free Church, I wish 318 to say one word on the course I think it right to take. At this time of the session the Governments, of course, all-powerful, and in refusing to accept Amendments to this Bill I think they were right, for if they had accepted them it would have meant the loss of the Bill, and that would have been much to be regretted. The Government having refused to accept the Amendments it was useless on my part to press them further, especially when my noble and learned friend Lord Robertson notified his intention not to move Amendments. Therefore, I hope I did right in not pressing my Amendments, but I must say they were very rightful Amendments. One was that the Free Church, which had acquired this property by the judgment of your Lordships' House, should not be deprived of that which they had capacity of using. The other point was the establishment of the principle of dealing with private property in the way proposed in this Bill. The former point must be left to the discretion of the Commissioners, who I trust will be just, and do to the Free Church as they would be done by, and not take away from the Free Church to give to the United Free Church property which the Free Church can beneficially use. I trust they will exercise their judgment unheeding outside representations and the prayers of Dr. Rainy.
§ On Question, Bill read 3a, and passed.