§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ THE UNDER - SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA (Mr. JOHN ELLIS,) Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, explained that it was a measure practically of one clause, and was absolutely un-controversial in character. Its object was to render needless the inclusion of the Act of 1894 in the Expiring Laws Bill. That Act gave power under certain conditions to pay interest out of capital during construction. It had worked well for twelve years. The Bill he was now moving would facilitate the development of railways in India, a matter which 366 had a very close connection with the economic welfare of our fellow-subjects there. He hoped the House would give the Bill a Second Reading now.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, ''That this Bill be now read a second time."
§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN (Birmingham, W.)asked whether the Bill had the approval of the India Council and of the Government of India.
§ MR. JOHN ELLISreplied in the affirmative.