§ Read a second time.
§ Resolved, "That this House will immediately resolve itself into the Committee on the Bill."—[Mr. Munro.]
§ Bill accordingly considered in Committee, and reported, without Amendment.
§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the third time."
1279§ Captain W. BENNI do not intend to speak on the merits of the Bill, but to refer to the way in which Scottish affairs are dealt with by the Government. Here is a Bill which was down for Second Reading last week, and because it was not printed was not proceeded with. That is not a general disqualification because other Bills which were not printed have been read a second time. It was circulated this morning to Members, and without any statement has been taken in all its stages. I do not complain of celerity in legislation for Scotland, but I should like to say this is a somewhat scandalous proceeding.
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I am rather surprised at the observations of the hon. and gallant Member. The usual complaint is as to delay, but my hon. and gallant Friend complains of celerity. If he objects to the Third Reading I will not press it now, and if he does not I think it would be convenient to take it now if it is to become law this Session.
Question put, and agreed to.
Bill accordingly read the third time, and passed.