§ House in Committee (according to order).
§ [The Earl of Onslow in the Chair.]
§ LORD ASHBOURNEMy Lords, I do not rise with any intention of discussing this Bill, but I should like to refer to the last clause as a matter for the consideration of the Lord Chancellor. The clause is found in every Divorce Bill and the effect of it is that the party who is incriminated and has been guilty of misconduct is forbidden to marry a particular person. I believe the clause is inserted in consequence of a Standing Order.
§ LORD ASHBOURNEI had been informed that it was. At any rate, the clause is invariably found in every Bill of this kind, and is as invariably struck out in the Committee stage. I think it is worthy of consideration by the Lord Chancellor whether some procedure might not be taken to end that inconvenient practice.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord LOREBURN)My noble friend is quite right in saying that this clause is always put in and always struck out. I do not 599 know the reason for its insertion; it is lost in the mist of antiquity. It is obvious that the clause ought not to be inserted, and I now beg to move its omission.
§ Amendment moved, "That the last clause be omitted."—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Amendment agreed to.
§ Bill reported, with an Amendment to the House.
§ Electric Supply Corporation Bill [H.L.]. Ordered that all petitions presented with respect to the Electric Supply Corporation Bill [H.L.], and the Electric Supply Corporation (No. 2) Bill [H.L.], be deemed to have been presented in respect of the said Bill.
§ Galwey's Divorce Bill [H.L.]. Message from the Commons for copy of the Minutes of Evidence taken before this House, together with the proceedings and the documents deposited in the case: Ordered to be communicated, with a request that they may be returned.
§ United Methodist Church Bill [H.L.];City of London (Union of Parishes) Bill [H.L.]. Reports from His Majesty's Attorney-General received, and ordered to lie on the Table.