§ THE EARL OF CRAWFORD AND BALCARRESMy Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, I may state that it has been changed from the form in which I had the honour of introducing it last year. Certain modifications have been made in it, in order to meet the desire expressed at that time by the noble Lord on the Woolsack. In withdrawing the Bill last year, I said that I would ask your Lordships, when I introduced it this year, to refer it to a Select Committee.
§ *THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I feel bound to say that the noble Lord has misunderstood me as expressing any approbation of the Bill. On the contrary, I thought that Bill was likely to be mischievous. I observe that this Bill goes somewhat further than the last, because the immunity of the Bill is extended to persons who have taken 826 shares up to the time of the passing of the Act. The settlement of the law on the point was pronounced in the beginning of last May. I think it would be a proper subject for the Committee to consider when they come to deal with the provisions of the Bill. That was the principal objection which I took to the Bill; but, inasmuch as the noble Lord has agreed that it shall go to a Committee who shall receive evidence, I do not at present oppose it.
§ Bill read 2a.