§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
384§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord President.)
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYcomplained of the inconvenience of bringing important Bills of this character before the House at that late period of the Session, when there was no possibility of giving adequate consideration and discussion to them. He should be sorry to offer opposition to the Bill, as it was a measure for the defence of the country; but he thought the House should have had full information as to the objects of the Bill. He had frequently protested in the House against this method of passing Bills.
§ THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (Viscount CRANBROOK)said, that it was absolutely necessary for the welfare of the country from a military point of view that this Bill should pass, and he would appeal to his noble Friend's generosity to allow it to go through that day.
THE EARL OF KIMBERLEYsaid, that, no doubt, it would be inconvenient to prevent the Bill from passing, and that was the reason why he complained of the manner in which such Bills were placed before their Lordships.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly; Committee negatived; Bill read 3a, and passed.