§ On the report of Amendments to this Bill,
§ THE MARQUESS OF LONDONDERRYsaid the Amendments had been considered by the Standing Committee, and some valuable suggestions were made by the late Lord Chancellor and by the present occupant of the Woolsack. He assured Lord Herschell that he would consider suggestions he made with regard to alterations in Clause 3, and he afterwards informed him that he considered the Amendments befitted the Local Government Board more than himself (Lord Londonderry) as introducer of this Bill. He consulted Lord Harris, and he promised to lay the matter before the Local Government Board The President of the Local Government Board advised the consideration of the Bill by a Select Committee of the House of Commons. In all probability that committee would not sit before next year, and the Bill (winch he was extremely anxious should pass the House before it rose) would not conclude its stages during the present Session. But he understood the Local Government Board would not give their concurrence in carrying through the Bill unless Clause 3 was eliminated. He was extremely loth to eliminate a clause which he considered of great importance, more especially as it had been considered in Committee; but, as its elimination seemed the only way to get the Bill through, he agreed to it. He moved that the Bill be reported, with Amendments, to the House.
§ Amendments reported (according to Order); a further Amendment made; Bill to be read 3a on Thursday next; and to be printed as amended.—[No. 235.]