§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ EARL CARRINGTONMy Lords, this is simply a measure to consolidate the existing enactments relating to open spaces. The Acts which it consolidates are simply permissive. The Bill is strongly supported by Lord Meath and I the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, and the Commons Preservation Society have also expressed themselves in its favour. It has passed through all its stages without the slightest difficulty in the House of Commons, and it is the same Bill as that which passed your 31 Lordships' House last year. In these circumstances I hope your Lordships will again this year give the Bill a Second Reading.
Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a" (Earl Carrington).
THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITEES (The Earl of ONSLOW)Do I gather from the noble Earl that this is absolutely a Consolidation Bill, and that no new provisions are introduced?
§ EARL CARRINGTONI can give that absolute assurance to the House. It is merely a Bill to consolidate the existing Acts on the subject, which are in a very confused condition.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.