HL Deb 13 March 1905 vol 142 cc1166-7

[SECOND READING.]

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (The Earl of HALSBURY)

My Lords, this is a Bill to amend the law relating to the administration of oaths for the purpose of proceedings in Prize Courts. It provides that there shall be added to Section 4 of the Commissioners for Oaths Act, 1889, which relates to the appointment of persons to administer oaths in prize proceedings, a provision that officers on board any of His Majesty's ships shall, whilst on the high seas or out of His Majesty's dominions, by virtue of their office, be empowered to administer oaths and take affidavits for any purpose relating to proceedings in any 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.