HC Deb 25 October 1899 vol 77 c600

Order for Second Reading read.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir RICHARD WEBSTER,) Isle of Wight

, in moving the Second Reading, said that it had been discovered that possibly in one Bill and possibly in another Bill passed last session words were used which might apply certain sections of the Acts in which they occur to this autumn session. That had not been foreseen, and therefore it was necessary to pass this Bill.

Motion made and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(Mr. Attorney General.)

MR. GIBSON BOWLES (Lynn Regis)

I only wish to suggest to the hon. Gentleman the Attorney General that this is really another instance of careless drafting. Indefinite dates should not be fixed for Bills to come into force or to cease having effect. Reference to the "end of next session" might be very inconvenient, as they are now, and I trust that in future the drafting will be more definite.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill read a second time, and committed for To-morrow.