HL Deb 14 December 1906 vol 167 cc813-4

[SECOND READING.]

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, this is a small Bill of modest dimensions, to which I trusty our Lord ships will see no objection. Its object is to make provision as to the appointment of deputies for recorders, stipendiary magistrates and clerks of the peace, and for the temporary performance of the duties of those officers in case of vacancies.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord Chancellor.)

LORD ASHBOURNE

I think this Bill is to meet an obvious public convenience, and I am sure your Lordships will readily pass it. But I question whether it is wise to provide that the power of a person to act temporarily under this provision should extend over so long a period as six months from the occurrence of the vacancy. That, however, is a matter which I leave for the consideration of my noble and learned friend.

On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.