§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord HERSCHELL)My Lords, this is a Bill consolidating into one Act a great variety of provisions relating to Trustees which are now to be found in a number of Statutes. In the measure that was introduced some time ago by my noble and learned Friend the late Lord Chancellor a proposal was made to carry out suggestions which had been received to consolidate and codify the law relating to Trustees. It was found that was a matter involving a great deal of difficulty, and serious questions were raised whether it was expedient to attempt to crystallise in that way the decisions which had been arrived at with regard to the liabilities and rights and powers of Trustees. I have thought it better, under these circumstances, to confine the present Bill to the consolidation of the Statute Law relating to Trustees. I think it would be very useful to be able to find in a single Statute all the provisions relating to Trustees instead of their being found, as at present, scattered over a number of Statutes.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.