§ Order of the Day for the Second Readin read.
§ LORD SOMERLEYTONMy Lords, this is a small measure, which can be explained in a very few words. It was originally proposed to hold the British Empire Exhibition in 1923, or at some earlier date, and, in 1920, an Act was passed empowering the Government to guarantee, up to an amount not exceeding £100,000, any loss which might result from holding the exhibition, subject to private guarantees being forthcoming up to £500,000. As a matter of fact, the private guarantees have amounted to a very much larger sum than this, but it is now proposed to hold 341 the exhibition in 1924, and, in order to remove doubts whether the Government will still be prepared to give the guarantee up to £100,000, this Bill is now proposed to Parliament. It has already passed the House of Commons without amendment, and it is hoped that your Lordships also will agree to pass it as it stands. It may be added that the exhibition is being privately organised, but is receiving official recognition and support. His Majesty the King is giving it his patronage, and the Prince of Wales is President of the General Committee.
§ Moved that the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Somerleyton.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.