§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ THE EARL OF REDESDALE (CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES), in moving that the Bill be now read a second 1706 time, said, its object was to make provision for promoting the safety and comfort of persons travelling in omnibuses, and to give powers to omnibus proprietors for the preservation of order. The measure, therefore, provided that no intoxicated person should be permitted to enter into, or mount upon any omnibus; or if found there, he might be removed by the conductor; swearing and obscene language was not to be permitted. Persons offensive in demeanour or dress were to be removed; smoking inside an omnibus was forbidden; no passenger was to blow a horn or other noisy or musical instrument except with the consent of the conductor; no animals were to be admitted; and loaded fire-arms were prohibited. These were the chief provisions for the protection of passengers. For the protection of the proprietors, the local authorities were to make general regulations as to the condition of the vehicles; and, on the application of the proprietor, might make such other regulations as might seem to them proper. The conductor of an omnibus was directed to enforce the provisions of the Act, and, should he fail to do so, he would be deemed to have committed an offence against the Act.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Chairman of Committees.)
§ EARL BEAUCHAMPsaid, the Bill was entirely one of detail. The matter had been referred to the police authorities; but their report had not yet been received.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday the 13th instant.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Eight o'clock, till To-morrow, a quarter before Five o'clock.