§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—(The Earl of Morley.)
§ THE DUKE OF NORTHUMBERLANDMy Lords, this is one of several Bills dealing with electric railways in the Metropolis, and I should like to know if it is considered that the principle of these Bills is assented to by our not opposing them on Second Reading. I understand that an inquiry is being carried on at the present moment with regard to these Bills.
THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (The Earl of Morley)I may state, in reply to the question of the noble Duke, that the reading of private Bills a second time in no way commits the House to the principle of these Bills. That is, I think, generally admitted. As the noble Duke will see, I have placed a motion on the Paper for Monday, which I hope your Lordships will approve, to refer the principle of those Bills to a Joint Committee. The Bills must be read a second time before they can go to that Committee; but the noble Duke need be under no apprehension that the House commits itself to the principle of the Bills by assenting to the Second Reading.
§ On Question agreed to. Bill read 2ª accordingly.