§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ LORD REAYMy Lords, the object of this Bill is simply to enable the authorities in burghs to provide hospitals within a convenient distance of the 1049 burghs, outside the limits of those burghs, but in close proximity. I understand there is no objection to the Bill, and I beg to move that it be read a second time.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a"—(The Lord Reay.)
*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (The Marquess of LOTHIAN)There is no objection to the Bill of which the noble Lord opposite has moved the Second Reading. On the contrary, I think it is a very useful one. One thing, however, I think it is desirable to point out to the noble Lord, and that is that under the Bill it might appear that the powers given might be exercised in a rather arbitrary manner, but, as the whole Bill comes under the 89th section of the Public Health (Scotland) Act, 1867, all the provisions of that section are still continued in force; and under that clause it would, except by agreement, be impossible for the Local Authority to take any site beyond the burgh unless by a Provisional Order. As your Lordships are well aware, before obtaining a Provisional Order it is necessary to advertise the matter, and the Provisional Order must at last be sanctioned by both Houses, of Parliament. Under those circumstances I think there is no danger of the powers under this Bill being exercised in an arbitrary manner. I am, therefore, very happy to assent to the Bill proposed by the noble Lord.
§ On Question, agreed to.
§ Bill read 2a (according to order), and committed to a Committee of the whole House on Friday next.