*THE SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (Lord BALFOUR of BURLEIGH)My Lords, I have to ask the House to suspend the Sessional Order of the day in favour of the Provisional Orders Bills in reference to the Railway Rates and Charges mentioned in the Motion which 526 stands in my name on the Paper. The general objects of these Bills and known to your Lordships, and the procedure with regard to them was explained to this House when the Joint Committee was appointed for the consideration of these matters. That procedure has been in accordance with the Act of Parliament passed in 1888, and a prolonged inquiry has, as your Lordships know, been made by the Joint Committee. It has extended over 48 days, and far beyond the time named in this Sessional Order the 26th June. I think I may say that everybody connected with the matter is anxious that these Bills should now become law, and I hope your Lordships will not stand in the way of attaining that result, but will allow the Sessional Order to be suspended for the day, and I beg to move accordingly.
Moved, "That the Sessional Order of the 5th of March last, That no Bill brought from the House of Commons confirming any Provisional Order or Provisional Certificate shall be read a second time after Friday, the 26th day of June next,' be dispensed with."—Agreed to.A number of Private Bills read 2a accordingly.