§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, this is what may be called a small Departmental Bill, though it is important in its results. The first proposal is to enable Colonial Judges who may be available to be asked to act as assessors with the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council on the hearing of appeals from the Colonies with which they were associated. This was suggested at the Colonial Conference by the representatives of New Zealand, and met with general approval. The second proposal is to enable any person who is or has been Chief Justice or Judge of any High Court in British India and is a member of the Privy Council to be summoned to sit upon the Judicial Committee of that Council; and the third proposal is to facilitate the Court of Appeal in England receiving the assistance of any Judge of the High Court. These are all technical matters; they are reforms, though not considerable reforms.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a—(The Lord Chancellor.)
498§ LORD ALVERSTONEMy Lords, I desire in a few sentences to congratulate the noble and learned Lord on this Bill. With regard to the Privy Council, all I will say is that I believe the Amendment will meet complaints and objections made in the past. But I wish particularly to congratulate the Lord Chancellor upon the amendment of the law so far as assisting the work of the Court of Appeal is concerned. The restrictions imposed with regard to the calling up of Judges have been found seriously to impede the work of the Court, and I think this amendment of the law, though it may only be a small reform, will go a long way to obviate the necessity of the appointment of an additional Lord Justice. I, therefore, sincerely hope your Lordships will pass this Bill.
On Question, Bill read 2a (according to order), and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.