§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading; read.
§ LORD NEWTONMy Lords, this is a non-contentious measure which has come up from the other House and which deals with the weighing of coal. As the House is probably aware, under an Act passed when my noble friend Viscount Cross was Home Secretary, the men were given power to obtain an official of their own for the purpose of weighing the coal. This Bill provides, among other things, for the appointment of a deputy official of this character, who is known as a check weigher; it provides the method of 512 electing this official, and there is a provision imposing on the employers the necessity of giving Mm shelter and facilities. The Bill also provides for the removal of the check-weigher by ballot, and regulates the persons who are to contribute to his wages. The Bill is the result of negotiations between representatives of the masters and men, and everything of a contentious character has been eliminated. I believe no debate took place upon it in the other House, and I hope the Second Reading will be assented to with out opposition.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a"—(Lord Newton.)
§ LORD BELPERMy Lords, the noble Lord is correct in stating that this is a non-contentious Bill. It has been agreed to by both masters and men, and His Majesty's Government give a general approval to its provision.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.