§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD FARQUHARMy Lords. I have the privilege for the third time of introducing to your Lordships' notice a Bill which proposes to amend the Municipal Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Act, 1884. I have on two previous occasions gone fully into the objects and details of this proposed change in the law relating to the conduct of elections. I must almost apologise for troubling your Lordships on this third occasion, but I am anxious to lose no time, so that the Bill may at last have a free passage in another place. This Bill has, as your Lordships are aware, already received the cordial support of the Lord Chancellor and of Lord James of Hereford. Its object, stated shortly, is to extend to municipal candidates the same protection against slanderous and mendacious statements at election times as that possessed by Parliamentary candidates under the provisions of the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act of 1895. This Act provides an immediate remedy by summary proceedings against any person who circulates slanderous statements against a candidate at election times, often made just before the poll and when too late to be corrected. Your Lordships will doubtless have seen in a recent report of a case of the nature which would be affected by this Bill how tardy and ineffectual is the civil remedy. This Bill would act as a wholesome deterrent; it is not contentious, and it will, I feel sure, receive the general support and approval of your Lordships' House.
§ Moved. That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Farquhar.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committedto a Committee of the Whole House on Tuesday next.
§ House adjourned at ten minutes before Five o'clock, till Tomorrow, half-past Ten o'clock.