§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
§ LORD PLAYFAIRsaid, he could explain in a few words the object of this Bill. Last year an enormously bulky Act was passed containing 518 clauses, one or two of which were of a very extraordinary nature, and this Bill 766 was to amend them. Under that Act any seven householders could go to the Sheriff where there were more than 2,000 inhabitants and require him to declare the place a police burgh. The other householders were not consulted at all in the matter, and the place would then be taken out of the county. If the population was between 700 and 2,000 the Sheriff "might," on the application of seven householders, declare the place to be a burgh; but if it was above 2,000 the Sheriff, it was provided, "shall" so declare it. This latter provision had caused great consternation, and it was desired that it should be amended, so that when requisition was made by seven householders the Sheriff should be enabled to consult the householders generally, and obtain their consent before he declared the place a police burgh.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a" —(The Lord Playfair.)
THE MARQUESS OF LOTHIANentirely agreed that this was a very desirable measure, but he thought it was not quite clear what the effect would be in reference to places of under 2,000 inhabitants. Would they be in the same position as before?
§ LORD PLAYFAIRsaid, they also would come under the provision for consulting the inhabitants. As the Bill would come into operation immediately, he would put it down for the Committee stage on Monday.
§ Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.