§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
*THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF IRELAND (Lord ASHBOURNE)My Lords, in the absence of my noble friend Lord Denbigh, I have to move the Second Reading of this Bill. The Congested 865 Districts Board, which was formed some years ago by Mr. Arthur Balfour, has from time to time needed amendments in its original constitution, and this short Bill, which has passed through the House of Commons, is, like the other Amendments that have been agreed to, designed to smooth the operations and facilitate the working of the Board. The first clause is introduced for the purpose of facilitating the management of land by the Congested Districts Board. The provision is safeguarded by the fact that its operation is in the hands of a public board, that three-fourths of the tenants in number and value must initiate what is to be done, and that full power is given to the County Courts to see that ample compensation in exchange or money is given for the farm taken. The other clauses of the Bill are also intended to improve the machinery of the Board, and in these circumstances I hope your Lordships will accord the Bill a Second Reading.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Ashbourne.)
§ On Question, agreed to. Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.