§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That in the case of any Private Bill brought from the Lords which is read a Second time on or after Monday next, notwithstanding anything contained in Standing Orders 82, 106, 120, 211, 236, and 237, any Committee to whom such a Bill is referred shall have leave to consider it forthwith provided that a filled-up Bill shall have been previously deposited."—[The Chairman of Ways and Means.]
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay we have an explanation from the Chairman of Ways and Means of the meaning of this Motion?
§ The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS (Mr. James Hope)This Motion is merely to prevent private Bills, not private Members' Bills, from failing to pass this House in time. The Standing Orders which I am asking should be suspended provide for certain delays in respect of Bills, and this Motion is to allow them to proceed and to be considered by the Committee. Of course, in regard to opposed Bills, if any representation or protest is made, the Committee would defer their consideration. This Motion arises solely out of the exceptional circumstances of the present Session.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESCan the Chairman of Ways and Means say whether due notice has been, or can be given to the interested parties that these delays will not occur as they usually do?
§ Captain GARRO-JONESBut if delays usually occur, and in this case those delays will not occur, obviously some of the interested parties in the Bills will be taken unawares. Has any provision been made to avoid that?
§ Mr. HOPENotice that the Committee is about to take the Bills will appear in the ordinary way, and, if any interested parties protest through counsel or otherwise, of course the Committee will bear that in mind. In the ordinary course, there are delays between the different stages of Bills, but, in the exceptional circumstances of the present Session, I think the balance of advantage is that the Committee should consider the Bills at once. If any protest is made, they will defer consideration.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the Chairman of Ways and Means say whether this provision is likely to affect the London Traffic Bills which are at present being considered?
§ Mr. HOPEIt has nothing to do with the London Traffic Bills. They have already been partially considered by the Committee.
§ Question put, and agreed to.