§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ 2.15 p.m.
§ The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Gordon-Walker)I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."
I do not think that this Bill need detain the House because it is not in itself an important Bill, though it arises out of the very important decision by which Newfoundland became a part of Canada. The purpose of the Bill is merely to amend or repeal various Acts of ours which are no longer appropriate because Newfoundland is a part of Canada. They are set out in detail in the Schedule. The only Clause to which I think I should draw the attention of the House is Clause 3,. under which further amendments that may become necessary, and which may have escaped our attention in looking through the various statutes, may be made by Order in Council. That is to. avoid the necessity of bringing another Bill before the House. Such Orders in Council will, of course, be laid and would be subject to a Prayer, so that there could be a Debate if there were any points of controversy. I do not think there is-any need for me to go through the particular Acts that are being amended.
§ Earl Winterton (Horsham)I want to. say only this. Although it is open to any hon. Member to raise any question, I think the general attitude, one might almost say etiquette, in these matters is that where a Bill affects a Dominion points are not raised. However, I think it would be appropriate to say on behalf of hon. Members on both sides of the House that I am sure we all wish Newfoundland a happy and prosperous future as part of the Dominion of Canada.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read a Second time.
§ Committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Mr. Sparks.]
§ Committee upon Monday next.