§ SECOND READING.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I do not know that I have anything particular to say about this Bill; it is one of a long series of Bills that have been prepared on the subject, and 730 have passed both Houses of Parliament from time to time. As your Lordships are acquainted, by the Motion that stands in my name, I propose that this Bill, if your Lordships think it right to give it a Second Reading, should be referred, together with the subject of Statute Law Revision, to a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament which may have to constitute a precedent in what they are doing. The Bill itself I can only say has advanced considerably towards what I hope may be a completion,—at present it is only on its way,—in order that the volumes that have hitherto been published may now be published with this very considerable addition to the revision of the Statute Law. That is all I have to say on the subject of the Bill to which I ask your Lordships to give a Second Reading.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly and sent to the Standing Committee.