§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, as your Lordships are aware the present Act comes to an end in Scotland 8 on the 28th of this month, and in England on June 24. The Government have in preparation a Bill designed to meet the situation which will arise when the present Act comes to an end. The time is very limited, and it will be quite impossible to pass such a measure through both Houses of Parliament before the date I have mentioned, May 28. This Bill, therefore, is simply to prolong the present Act until July 31, in order to give sufficient time for the matter to be thoroughly considered both in this House and in another place. Possibly your Lordships may consider that July 31 is giving rather a long time, but I think it is an error on the right side. It gives the opportunity, as I have said, for the matter to be thoroughly considered and thrashed out. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Earl of Onslow.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.