§ Motion made and Question proposed— "That this Bill he now read a second time."—(The Earl of Dudley.)
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO THE BOARD OF TRADE (THE EARL OF DUDLEY)My Lords, this is a little Bill which passed through the House of Commons without any discussion at all. It is practically a Consolidation Bill. At present the law relating to the testing of anchors and chain cables is contained in three Acts of Parliament, which are somewhat conflicting and confusing, and it is therefore difficult to obtain convictions under the Acts. This Bill consolidates those Acts and simplifies the Law. The only new pro vision is contained in Clause 15, which 71 deals with the issue of bogus certificates. It has been pointed out to the Board of Trade that certain firms are in the habit at present of putting marks on their anchors and chain cables in such a manner as to resemble the marks put upon them when tested under the auspices of the Board of Trade. We do not desire to prevent private testing, but we do wish, when articles are so tested, that marks should not be put upon them of a confusing and misleading character. I beg to move the Second Reading of this Bill.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill—Read 2a (according to order) and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.