§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, this is a Bill in very much the same category as the last. It has already passed this House under the patronage of the late Administration. Its object is to extend the powers under Section 4 of the Commissioners for Oaths Act, 1889, which relates to the appointment of persons, to administer oaths in prize proceedings, so as to enable oaths to be administered abroad by Naval Officers on board His Majesty's ships for any purpose connected with proceedings in a prize court. There is nothing at all of a contentious or political character in this Bill, and I hope it will be passed into law this session.
§ 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 Thursday next.