§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
LORD HERSCHELLMy Lords, this Bill amends the Local Government (Scotland) Act, 1889, which established county councils in Scotland. The Local Government (Scotland) Act of 1894, which set up parish councils, did, as originally introduced, contain several clauses amending the Act of 1889. These clauses were, however, dropped, and since that time those who have had to administer the Act of 1889 have discovered various other points upon which some Amendment of the law is necessary. In 1906, a private Member's Bill incorporating many of these points was introduced in the other House, and the Secretary for Scotland gave an undertaking that the Government would consider legislation on the subject. The present Bill, to a very large extent, follows that private Member's Bill, and has been adjusted in conference with experienced officials and representatives, both of county and burgh authorities. Besides conferring various other powers on county councils the Bill enables them to adopt various provisions of the Burgh Police Acts within special districts of the county. The Bill has been treated through all its stages as an agreed Bill, and I therefore feel that it is not necessary for me 1208 to say more in moving the Second Reading.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."(Lord Herschell.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to a Committee on Wednesday next.