HC Deb 24 June 1903 vol 124 cc487-8

[SECOND READING.]

Order for Second Reading read.

MR. CALDWELL (Lanarkshire, Mid)

asked that some explanation of it should be given. What was the necessity for the extension of the premises? What was to be the cost of the land and the buildings? And had plans been prepared?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. ELLIOT,) Durham

said that owing to the increase of business the space at the disposal of the Patent Office had been found to be insufficient. It would be necessary to house something like 200 more people. He was informed that the land would cost about £70,000, and the buildings £40,000. No more was being done than was necessary to enable the greatly increased business to be overtaken.

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 five 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. Elliot.)