§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.), in moving that the Bill be now road a second time, said, the attention of the House had, during the course of the present and previous Sessions, been called to the advisability, in the interest of property, and still more in the interest of the safety of life at sea, of establishing some better means of telegraphic communication than at present existed between the mainland and lighthouses at some distance from it. Having made inquiry, he found that the Association known as "Lloyd's" were willing, in the interest of commerce, to undertake the work to some extent; and the object of the Bill was simply to empower them to do so, and to enable them, where necessary, to take land for the purpose of such works. He moved the second reading.
§ Motion made, and Question, "That the Bill be now road a second time,"—(Sir Michael Hicks-Beach,)—put, and agreed to.
§
Bill read a second time, and 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 two 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.
Ordered, That Mr. Marjoribanks, Mr. Penrose FitzGerald, and Sir Michael Hicks-Beach be Members of the Committee.