§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (EARL BEAUCHAMP)My Lords, in the absence of my noble friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, who is attending an agricultural meeting in the country, I beg to move the suspension of the Standing Order in regard to this Bill. I think I ought to explain to your Lordships the reason why it is necessary to ask for this indulgence on your part. It is due to the fact that there was certain opposition in the other House to some of the provisions, which have since been modified. The Bill was introduced, in accordance with the Standing Orders, on May 22, but it was not until July 17 that the negotiations resulted in a compromise which enabled the Bill to proceed as an unopposed measure; and the Board, 841 although they did everything in their power to expedite matters, have been unable to ask your Lordships to agree to the Second Reading until to-day.
§ Moved, That the Order made on the 24th day of April last, "That no Provisional Order Confirmation Bill brought from the House of Commons shall be read a second time after Thursday the 4th day of July next" be dispensed with.
§ —(Earl Beauchamp.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Earl Beauchamp.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed.