§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Chairman of Committees.)
§ LORD AVEBURYMy Lords, I wish to thank my noble friend the Lord Chairman for having postponed this Bill for two or three days. The clauses to which we took some exception are Clauses 25 and 26. Clause 25 enables the Corporation to supply electric energy not only within their own district but outside, and I trust my noble friend will 783 carefully consider that clause. Clause 26 provides that any sum due to the Corporation for fittings supplied may be recovered summarily as a civil debt or by distress or sale of the goods and chattels of the debtor. This power was asked for by the Sheffield Corporation in 1903, and the clause was struck out of the Bill. They seem, therefore, to be attempting now to secure by a side wind what was refused by Parliament four years ago. There is a case pending with reference to the point, and under these circumstances we felt justified in opposing the clause. I understand, however, that it is to be deleted, and, in these circumstances, I have no objection to offer to the Second Reading of the Bill.
THE CHAIRMAN Of COMMITTEES (The Earl of ONSLOW)My Lords, I understand that the noble Lord does not propose to offer any opposition to the Second Reading of the Bill, and I can assure him that the clauses he has referred to, one of which the promoters do not, I believe, intend to proceed with, will receive very careful consideration before the next stage of the Bill.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and committed. The Committee to be proposed by the Committee of Selection.