HL Deb 28 July 1902 vol 111 cc1329-30

House in Committee (according to order).

Amendments agreed to.

Amendment moved— After sub-clause (5.) to insert the following new sub-clause:—'(6.) The corporation shall within five years from the commencement of the said Order, establish within the Garston District a public library and public baths.'"—(Earl Waldegrave.)

LORD NEWTON

This Amendment seems to me a very important one. It involves an interference with municipal local autonomy, and I think the House is entitled to some explanation before accepting it.

THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (The Duke of DEVONSHIRE)

I regret that the noble Lord in charge of the Bill is not present today, and that we can give no information. The explanation which the noble Lord desires will, however, be given on the Report Stage.

LORD NEWTON

I hope the explanation will be forthcoming at the next stage, but I cannot help expressing the opinion that this is an extremely slovenly way of conducting business. If a noble Lord undertakes to look after anything so vulgar and commonplace as the Local Government Board, he should either be in his place to explain his Amendments, or depute some other member of the Government who would condescend to come here and make the explanation for him.

EARL WALDEGRAVE

The noble Lord who represents the Local Government Board in this House is, I am sorry to say, unwell. I may point out, however, that the Amendment has been agreed to by the opponents of the Bill.

LORD NEWTON

Unless the Government give me an assurance that an explanation will be forthcoming at the next stage, I shall move the adjournment.

EARL SPENCER

I do think that if the noble Lord who represents the Local Government Board is ill, some one should be entrusted with these Amendments who is able to explain them. It is derogatory to the dignity of this House that no one is able to explain an Amendment of this kind when it is moved.

THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE

The explanation shall be given on the Report stage.

Amendment agreed to; Standing Committee negatived; Report of Amendments to be received Tomorrow.