§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (EARL BEAUCHAMP)My Lords. this is, I suppose, technically speaking, a Private Bill promoted by His Majesty's Government in order to make further provision for public offices. We regret to find that the space by the side of Great George-street will not be sufficient for the requirements of our public offices, especially for the requirements of the Board of Trade. The matter has been carefully considered, and the consequence is that we have thought it necessary to promote this Bill, which will allow the Government to provide a site in Whitehall Gardens for new buildings which would house the Board of Trade and other Departments. Nobody who has had connection with the Board of Trade can fail to know how inconvenient it is that their various departments are scattered about the West-end. This Bill has already been before the House of Commons, where it was investigated by a Committee. Certain alterations were made, and it will go through the same process in this House if any petitions are lodged against it by individuals who feel themselves aggrieved. There will be ample opportunity, therefore, for anybody who desires to do so to be heard. In addition to Whitehall Gardens we propose a small extension of the Patent Office, and also in Clifford's Inn we are anxious to secure that there should be a sufficient open space at the south side of the Record Office. But the first matter is the really important part of this Bill.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Earl Beauchamp.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed: The Committee to be proposed by the Committee of Selection.