§ * LORD BASINGIn asking your Lordships to read this Bill a second time, I may explain that its object is to amend an Act of last Session which had for its object the exemption of certain Friendly Societies from the requirements and provisions of the 30th section of the old Friendly Societies Act of 1875. There are certain classes of Friendly Societies which exist for the mutual benefit of their members which ought not to be subjected to the provisions of that section, but owing to the defective drafting of the measure of last Session, some doubts have arisen with regard to its bearing on those societies. The present Bill will, I believe, cure that difficulty, and will enable the Registrar of Friendly Societies if he thinks fit, under the direction of the Treasury, to grant certificates of exemption. The Bill has passed through the House of Commons, and I believe has the sanction and approval of Her Majesty's Government.
§ * LORD NORTONI have no objection to the Second Reading of this Bill, but I must protest against its form of unexplained reference to previous Acts, owing to the circumstances which make it necessary. It is a Bill to amend a Bill which was passed last Session, having been run through all its stages on the last night of the Session, and so that it was practically impossible for noble Lords to know what its provisions were. It can only now be understood by reference first to the Act of 1888, and from that to the Act of 1875, which imposes restrictions on arbitration from which this Bill would free some societies.
§ Bill read 2a (according to order), and committed to the Standing Committee for Bills relating to Law, &c.