§ THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURYMy Lords, I beg to make the Motion standing on the Paper—namely, That the Order of the 19th of April last committing the Bill to a Committee of the Whole House be discharged, and that it is desirable that the Bill be referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament. When this Bill was before the House on a previous occasion considerable criticisms were made against it, notably by my noble and learned friend Lord Sumner, who spoke from the point of view from which, of course, he is so eminently qualified to speak, of an eminent lawyer. Other lawyers, perhaps not quite so distinguished as himself, have also criticised the Bill, and I am sorry to say that criticism is not confined to noble and learned Lords, but that a certain number of other interests have made comments on the Bill.
That has been a matter of considerable concern to His Majesty's Government, for I need not say that in matters of this kind it is far better, if possible, that all difficulties should be got over and interests conciliated rather than that the Bill should be driven through by the mere force of political majorities. Therefore, after discussion with the representatives of shipowners, cargo owners, and bankers, it has been thought best, after all, that this Bill should be considered by a Joint Select Committee before it is passed into law. In that way all the difficulties can be either explained away or met, and there need be no feeling, hereafter, that all interests have not been considered. The Government are very anxious indeed that the Bill should pass into law, as is, I believe, everybody, and there is no desire to delay the measure. On the contrary, it is in the main in the hope of facilitating discussion and the passage of the Bill in another place, that this proposal is made, and we hope thereby to satisfy all interests.
If your Lordships think fit to agree to this Motion, and it is assented to in 352 another place, I am able to inform your Lordships that so distinguished a Judge as the noble and learned Lord, Lord Sterndale, has consented to act as Chairman of the Joint Select Committee. I hope that that will show your Lordships that every matter submitted to the Committee will be duly considered and considered with despatch. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Order of the 19th of April last committing the Bill to a Committee of the Whole House be discharged, and that it is desirable that the Bill be referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament.—(The Marquess of Salisbury.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ Ordered, That a Message be sent to the Commons to communicate this Resolution and to desire their concurrence.