§ On the Motion for the Second Reading of this Bill,
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Sir MICHAEL HICKS BEACH, Bristol, W.)said it had been found necessary to provide larger accommodation for the Patent Office, and this Bill was to enable the land to be taken under the ordinary law in the ordinary way.
DR. TANNERthought the House should deal with these matters in an economical spirit, and he therefore asked how much land was to be purchased, and at what price?
* THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS, Kent, St. Augustine's)said the object of the Bill was to acquire only the freehold interest in 590 two houses for the purposes of the extension. The sum to the paid would certainly not exceed £9,000.
§ Read a Second time.
§ On the Question, "That the Bill be referred to a Select Committee of five Members, three to be nominated by the House, and two by the Committee of Selection,"
§ * MR. SPEAKERsaid it was referred to a Select Committee, in accordance with the invariable practice of the House where private Bill powers were sought by a public Bill.
§ * MR. SPEAKERsaid that Motion was not one for the nomination, but for the appointment of the Committee. The nomination would be subsequently moved.
DR. TANNERasked if the right hon. Gentleman would give an explanation of how the money was to be paid?
§ * MR. SPEAKERsaid the hon. Member was not in order in asking that question.
§ Bill committed to a Select Committee of Five Members, Three to be nominated by the House, and Two by the Committee of Selection.
§ Ordered, That all Petitions against the Bill presented Three clear days before the meeting of the Committee be referred to the Committee; that the Petitioners praying to be heard by themselves, their Counsel, or Agents, be heard against the Bill, and Counsel heard in support of the Bill.
§ Ordered, That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records.
§ Ordered, That Three be the quorum.—(Mr. Akers-Douglas.)