§ [SECOND READING.]
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (EARL LOREBURN)My Lords, this is a Bill which requires a very short preface indeed. Its object is to remove doubts as to the validity of certain marriages solemnised in the Empire of Japan, one or both of the parties being British subjects. Before July 16, 1899, certain conditions regulated marriages in Japan, and marriages continued after that date to be celebrated in accordance with the old rules, but the effect of surrendering the extra-territorial jurisdiction was to imperil the validity of such marriages. Accordingly, it is only fair that marriages solemnised in good faith and in reliance on the continuance of the law should be made valid, subject to certain conditions—namely, that the Bill shall not render valid any marriage which before the passing of the Bill had been declared invalid by any Court of competent jurisdiction, or affect any right dependent on the validity or invalidity thereof, or render valid any marriage either of the parties to which has subsequently during the life of the other lawfully intermarried with any other person.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Earl Loreburn.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House To-morrow.
§ House adjourned at twenty-five minutes before Five o'clock, till To-morrow, half-past Ten o'clock.