The Sun.
London, England, 1864-04-06 00:00:00

SURPLUS EXPENDITURE.

Mr, A, SMITH gave notice that on Tuesday, the 19th
inst., he would move for a select committee to inquire into
the surplus public expenditure, in order to see whether a
reduction in that branch of the public disbursements might
not be effected.
THE PENAL SERVITUDE BILL.

Sir G. GREY gave notice of the further postponement
of this bill from the 11th until the 18th inst.
THE LISBURN ELECTION COMMITTEE.

The CHAIRMAN brought up the report of the com-
mittee, to the effect that they had adjourned until to-mor-
rev, in consequence of the house last evening not having
consonted to the motion for the exemption of Mr. Stirling
from further attendance.
The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said there was no doubt
the question raised by his hon. friend the member for
Northamptonshire (Mr. Hunt) last evening was very im-
portant, Having stated the position in which the question
stood, he suggested that the proper course would be to
accept the excuse of the hon. member for Perthshire (Mr.
Stirling) for non-attendance, and to allow the committee to
meet. A suggestion might then be made to them to the
effect that a question had been raised as to their competency
to sit, and then the matter could be referred to the house
again, on the report which the committee would present,
Sir H. CAIRNS said that this was a subject which re-
quired great deliberation, in order to avoid a collision with
the other House of Parliament, and with courts of law.
After some observations from Mr. HENLEY.
The SOLICITOR-GENERAL denied that there was
any legal question involved in this question.
Some further discussion ensued in which Mr. Hardy,
Mr. Lygon, Mr. Forster, Mr. M‘Donough, Sir G. Grey.
Mr. Paull, Mr. Ayrt on, Mr. AI, Smith, 'and Mr. Clarke,
took part.
Lord STANLEY said that the house was evidently in a
difficulty from the novelty of the circumetances which had
occurred, and he suggested as an amendment that the dis-
cussion should be adjourned until that day six months,
which would of necessity
suspend the functions of the com-
mittee and enable the house to come to a proper decision on
the subject.
Mr. WALPOLE objected to the proposition of his noble
friend (Lord Stanley), which, he contended, would have the
effect of increasing instead of diminishing the difficulty,
and suggested that the committee Phonic! be allowed to
come to a decision, which could then be discussed, awl so
the whole question of the functions of the house in respect
to committees be determined.
The ATTORNEY •GENERAL also objected to the
course proposed by the noble lord, as superseding the act of
Parliament, and contended that the method he (the Attor-
ney-General) proposed was the proper means of meeting the
case.

After a few words from Mr. ADAIR,
Llrd STANLEY withdrew his amendment.
Ths original motion ont of which the discussion arose—
namely, that Mr. Stirling's excuse for non•: ttendance on
the couamittce Oa the 22d ult, should be received—was

adopted, which, in fact, carried out the suggestion of the
Attorney-General.

MAILS FROM SOUTHAMPTON AND B
In reply to Mr. BERKELEY,
_ _

Mr. F. PEEL said that there was no intention to make
any situation at present in the departure oz t,,, mails from
Southampton; but the Government were open to any offers
that might be made on the subject.