§ Order of the day for the Second Reading read.
THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (The Marquess of LINLITHGOW)My Lords, this is practically the same Bill which passed through your Lord-ships' House in August of last year. On the occasion of the Second Reading of that measure my noble friend Lord Kintore, who was last session in charge of Scottish matters in your Lordships' House, made a very able aud comprehensive speech explaining the whole of the proposals very fully. I do not think it is necessary for me to recapitulate what he said. I would only remind your Lordships that the Bill is founded on the Report of a Committee appointed by my predecessor, and that it has three objects in view—(1) the protection of the inhabitants of the districts near the whaling stations from nuisance and danger to health; (2) the protection of fishermen in the pursuit of their lawful industry; and (3) the protection of the whaling trade against itself. I believe that if the Bill is passed the whaling industry may become a very useful one, and be prosecuted without injury to the fisher-folk and with advantage to the people living in the neighbourhood of the whaling stations.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a"—(The Marquess of Linlithgow.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Friday next.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Six o'clock, till Tomorrow, half-past Ten o'clock.