HL Deb 16 September 1909 vol 2 cc1232-3

[SECOND READING.]

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE EARL OF GRANARD

My Lords, the object of this Bill is to transfer the dockyards of Halifax and Esquimalt to the jurisdiction of the Canadian Government. For some years past provisional arrangements have been made and these dockyards have been virtually under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Government, but it appears that there is some legal difficulty and that without an Act of Parliament they cannot be transferred to the Canadian Government. The transfer, of course, is made subject to conditions that the dockyards will be kept in proper order and available for the use of His Majesty's Fleet. I beg to move.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Earl of Granard.)

On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Thursday next.