SECOND READING. (Hansard, 16 August 1894)

§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, although this is probably the largest Bill ever brought before you, I need detain you but a moment in moving the Second Reading. It is a Bill for consolidating all the legislation on the subject. The matter was referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses, and was partly proceeded with last Session. The Bill was again brought in this Session, and referred to a Joint Committee, which sat for many days and thoroughly examined all its provisions assisted by representatives of all parties interested in them. In the result a measure has been produced which is likely to give very general satisfaction. I have only to say that a communication was made to me yesterday in which certain persons complained that the Bill had been passed hurriedly through Parliament. I can give an assurance that no Bill was ever more carefully considered. They call attention to two points in which they consider the law has been changed to their disadvantage. I have looked into the matter, and can assure them that they are entirely mistaken; the Bill simply reproduces the existing enactments and makes no alteration that could be to their disadvantage. I trust this explanation may remove any apprehensions that may have been entertained, and I beg to move the Second Reading.