§ Amendments reported (according to order.)
§ LORD HERSCHELLMy noble Lords, I have to move to leave out Clause 3, and to insert some Amendments in Clause 4. The effect of that will be to empower certain persons to act, as in the case of Consuls, instead of defining the persons who may solemnise marriages in certain regions and districts as defined in clause, and thereupon declaring, as is proposed to be done by Clause 10, what ministers, Governors, and so on may perform these functions. I think it would be much simpler to leave out Clause 3, and to amend Clause 4, by giving to certain persons, when authorised in the same manner as Consuls, the same authority as the Consuls have under the Consular Marriages Act. I believe that the noble Marquess the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs agrees that this carries out the purpose in view.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Lord KNUTSFORD)I have the authority of the noble Marquess, who was unable to stay, for saying that he assents to these Amendments.
§ LORD HERSCHELLThere are some consequential Amendments. It will be necessary to leave out Sub-section 2 of Section 10, and to omit the 2nd schedule.
§ Amendments made; Bill to be read 3a on Thursday next; and to be printed as amended. (No. 259.)