§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (The Earl of HALSBURY)My Lords, this Bill proposes a small amendment in the law. Persons who administer oaths are appointed as persons who can properly administer oaths, but the appointment under the statute by which that matter is governed must be of persons who are to administer oaths in respect of proceedings in the High Court of Justice. Prize Courts are not included within that description. The result is that no such persons can be appointed for the purpose of a Prize Court. The object of this Bill is so to amend the law that captains and other persons on board any of His Majesty's ships should be empowered to administer oaths when proceedings are intended to be taken in a Prize Court.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a." (The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Friday next.