§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ MR. GERARD NOEL, in moving that the Bill be now read a second time, said, the Bill had three objects. First, to make improvements in the entrance towards Hyde Park Corner by Knights-bridge Barracks; secondly, to transfer a portion of land now under the control of the Woods and Forests to the control of the Office of Works. This piece of land abutted on Hampton Court Park, and as the Office of Woods had no officer there to superintend it, it was very desirable it should be transferred. The third object of the Bill was to permit two portions of land to be given up to the Office of Works to replace land taken from Regent's Park in order to form a new approach over the canal at Gloucester Gate.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Gerard Noel.)
§ MR. DILLWYNthought that, as they were dealing with Crown property, they ought to consider whether it would be wise to transfer it to the Chief Commissioner of Works; and for this purpose he thought Bills of this kind should not be brought on late at night. He had intended, therefore, to put down Notice of Opposition to it; but on looking at the measure he found it was a small Bill for a practical purpose, and, therefore, he did not propose to offer any opposition to it.
§ MR. MONKpointed out that it was proposed, when this Bill had been read 729 a second time, to refer it to a Select Committee. That Committee was to consist of only three Members, and he thought that was very undesirable. A Committee of less than five would not give satisfaction to the House, and for that reason he should oppose the Bill at the next stage.
§ MR. GERARD NOELsaid, the Committee would consist of five; but two of its Members would be nominated by the Committee of Selection.
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed to a Select Committee.
§ And, on July 18, Committee nominated as follows:—Mr. MONCKTON, Lord CHARLES BRUCE, Mr. ISAAC, and Two to be nominated by the Committee of Selection:—With power to send for persons, papers, and records:—Ordered, Three to be the quorum.