§ SECOND READING.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, the object of this Bill is simply to solve a doubt which has existed in some minds with regard to the operation of an Act recently passed at the invitation of my noble and learned Friend (Lord Herschell). Some doubt has been expressed whether that Act, as it at present stands, extends to any Act passed before the passing of that Act. Whether it is necessary or not I do not undertake to say, but the only object of this Bill being to solve that doubt, I trust your Lordships will give it a Second Reading.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ LORD HERSCHELLMy Lords, I think there is no possible objection to this Bill—I do not say whether the doubts to which my noble and learned Friend has referred are well founded,—it is hardly necessary to express an opinion; but, doubts having been raised, it is better to settle them by legislation rather than by litigation.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the whole House on Monday next.