Lords Sitting of 31 July 1894

COMMISSION.
The following Bills received the Royal Assent:—

Consolidated Fund (No. 3.)

Finance.

Zanzibar Indemnity.

Parochial Electors (Registration Acceleration).

Local Government Provisional Orders (No. 14.)

Local Government Provisional Order (No. 17.)

Local Government Provisional Orders (No. 18.)

UNIFORMS BILL.—(No. 175.)

  SECOND READING.
  Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
  LORD CHELMSFORDsaid, in moving the Second Reading, that this was a very simple Bill which had passed through all its stages in the other House. Its object was to restrict the wearing of uniforms of Her Majesty's Military and Naval Services to those serving in the Forces and to prevent their being worn by persons not directly connected with the Services. Provisions were contained in the Bill for exemption in certain cases, and particularly in the case of semi-public bands. The main object really was to prevent the uniforms of Her Majesty's Forces being used indiscriminately for advertising purposes by men carrying sandwich - boards and other persons parading the streets. The first enacting clause provided that military uniforms should not be worn without authority by any person not serving in Her Majesty's Military Forces nor any other dress having the appearance or bearing the regimental and distinctive marks of such uniforms. Exemption was made in the case of bandsmen at public performances for six years from the passing of the Act. During that period they might continue to wear the then
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  recognised uniform of the band unless it was an exact imitation of a military uniform. In fact, six years were given them to wear out their uniforms. He confessed, for his own part, that he should have been glad if a shorter time had been fixed, and there certainly could be no objection offered on the ground of hardship upon those who had adopted a uniform. Then also persons who had adopted a uniform for the purpose of a stage-play were not to be prevented from wearing it or for circus performances or for bonâ fide military representations. The third clause provided that if uniforms were worn by unauthorised persons in such a way as to bring them into contempt, the wearers would come under the penalty imposed by the Act. He was sure the measure would have their Lordships' sympathy, and begged to move its Second Reading.
  Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord Chelmsford.)
  THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Lord SANDHURST): My Lords, the noble Lord has fully explained the provisions of this Bill. It has passed through the House of Commons after being threshed out in a Select Committee to whom it was referred, and I have only to say that the Government will be glad to assist the object of the measure.
  LORD CHELMSFORDexpressed his acknowledgments to Mr. Brookfield and others who piloted the Bill through its different stages in the other House.
  Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.

BRITISH MUSEUM (PURCHASE OF LAND) BILL.—(No. 173.)

  SECOND READING.
  Order of the Day for the Second Reading, read.
  THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY AND LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (The Earl of ROSEBERY), in moving the Second Reading, said: My Lords, I congratulate myself on being able to introduce a Bill which I think, even in a fuller House than this, would meet with acceptance. It is for the purpose of securing the future of the

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  Museum as well as its protection from fire by the acquisition of the property mentioned in the Bill. The additional property consists of 69 houses and their gardens, all belonging to the Duke of Bedford, who has met the wishes of the Museum Trustees and of the Treasury in the most fair and liberal spirit. Of course it is quite obvious that if the Collections in the British Museum go on extending at their present rate it is of the most vital importance to secure the room for their expansion; and it has also been stated authoritatively to the Trustees by the Chief Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade that there is a grave danger to the Museum in the existence of any buildings not in the control of the Trustees between that structure and Montague Street, Montague Place, and Charlotte Street. By this Bill that property will be placed under the control of the Museum authorities, and I think your Lordships will agree that that is a laudable object.
  Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Earl of Rosebery.)
  Motion agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday next.

CHIMNEY SWEEPERS BILL.—(No. 132.)
Reported from the Standing Committee with further Amendments: The Report of the Amendment made in Committee of the Whole House, and of the Amendments made by the Standing Committee, to be received on Thursday next; and Bill to be printed as amended. (No. 192.)
NAUTICAL ASSESSORS (SCOTLAND) BILL.—(No. 179.)
Reported from the Standing Committee with Amendments: the Report thereof to be received on Friday next; and Bill to be printed as amended. (No. 193.)
PUBLIC LIBRARIES (IRELAND) ACTS AMENDMENT BILL.—(No. 180.)
Reported from the Standing Committee with Amendments: The Report thereof to be received on Friday next; and Bill to be printed as amended. (No. 194.)

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO CHILDREN BILL [H.L.]—(No. 178.)
Read 3a (according to Order); an Amendment made; Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.
House adjourned at a quarter before Six o'clock, to Thursday next, a quarter past Ten o'clock.