§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ MR. HENRY H. FOWLER (Wolverhampton, E.)said, he had given Notice of an Amendment, that the Bill be read a second time upon that day six months, which he did not intend to move, because the Government had agreed that the Bill should be referred to the Standing Committee upon Law. He was very glad that this was so. Many hon. Members of the House would be aware that constant dissatisfaction had been expressed, especially in discussions on the Estimates, with the present condition of the County Court system, and if the present Session should see carried into effect this much needed reform, that alone would redeem it from being a barren Session. Both the powers and procedure of the County Courts needed improving. He deplored that the Bill came down from the other House simply as a Consolidation Bill. There would have been great advantage had the Bill been carefully considered by a Select Committee there. At all events, now that the Standing Committee on Law Bills had been set up, this was a Bill upon which that Committee might very properly exercise its powers, and with great advantage. He understood that Notice of Reference was necessary, and that this would be given for the first day after the Recess?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)said, he agreed to that.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill read a second time, and committed for Thursday 5th April.