§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (The Earl of HALSBURY)My Lords, a Convention has been concluded between His Majesty and the President of the United States for including in the list of crimes on account of which extradition may be granted certain offences, and, amongst others, bribery; and it is provided by the Convention that it shall come into force within ten days after publication in conformity with the laws of the high contracting parties. Bribery is not at present included in the list of crimes in the First Schedule to the Extradition Act, 1870, and the Convention cannot be published in conformity with the laws of the United Kingdom until bribery is so included. This Bill, therefore, enacts that the Extradition Act, 1870, shall be construed as if bribery were included in the list of crimes in the First Schedule to that Act. I think your Lordships will agree that it is highly desirable that effect should be given to the agreement which has been come to between the two countries.
§ 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 Monday next.