§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ Motion made and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Harcourt)I do not know whether the House would wish to have a word of explanation as to the reason and necessity for the introduction of this Bill. The House may not be aware that ancient monuments are regulated under two Acts. The first, in 1882, enables the Commissioners to purchase or to accept the gift or bequest of certain monuments which are specified in the Schedule to that Bill: But the monuments specified in the early Bill were only early barrows and prehistoric works, and did not include buildings of an historical character. The Act was therefore amended in 1900 so as to enable the Commissioners to accept the gift as well as to purchase monuments of historical and national interest. It, in fact, enlarged their powers, but by some oversight they were not given power to accept bequests of such buildings. I only discovered that fact very recently, when I was in communication with a gentleman, who must be nameless at present, in regard to the bequest of one of the finest historical monuments in this country. I was unable to accept that bequest, and until I have secured the formal alteration of the law I cannot do so. Therefore the sooner it is done the quicker I shall be able, under the codicils of the will, to secure for the country this very fine monument. I trust that the House will pass the Bill as rapidly as possible.
§ Question, "That the Bill be now read a second time," put, and agreed to.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
§ Resolved, "That this House do now adjourn."—[Mr. Gulland.]
§ House adjourned accordingly at Fifteen minutes past Three o'clock.