§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ LORD WILLOUGHBY de ERESBYobjected to the Bill's being proceeded 368 with without its object being explained. The Opposition could not be expected to allow a Bill of this description to pass when they had received absolutely no explanation and no information in regard to its provisions.
§ MR. J. WILLIAMS BENN (Devonport)said that the Bill was merely to extend to London the provisions of the Allotments Act in order that the London County Council might have power to let small pieces of land on the outskirts of London for the convenience of working men desiring such plots. There was nothing new or revolutionary in the measure, and he hoped hon. Gentlemen opposite would allow it to pass. It was not a compulsory measure.
§ * COLONEL LEGGEsaid it was very undesirable that a Bill of this character should be brought in in this way, and the House asked to pass it without any explanation whatever. It was all very well for the hon. Member for Devonport to say it was simply a Bill to apply to the County of London. He thought that even the London Members would like to know something about it before they assented to the Second Reading. He did not wish to speak disrespectfully of the London County Council, for he had been a member of it himself, and he had great admiration for the work the Council had done, but they had quite enough work to do at the present time, and it was very desirable that their duties should not be increased.
§ And, it being Eleven of the Clock, the debate stood adjourned.
§ Debate to be resumed upon Wednesday.
§ Adjourned at eight minutes after Eleven o'clock.