§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURYMy Lords, a single word only is all that is necessary on this matter. The Bill to which I am asking your Lordships to give a Second Reading is entirely 265 uncontroversial, and, as far as I know, there is no opposition to it, either locally, centrally, or anywhere else. It corresponds exactly with other Bills of a similar character, and I hope your Lordships' House will give facilities for its passage. It creates two new dioceses for populous areas where the money is forthcoming, and where they are needed. If there is any question about details I shall be quite ready to answer it in the Committee stage, or even now; but I think it unnecessary to detain your Lordships' House at the present moment. It is merely a sanctioning Bill for the formation of the two new sees. There is, as I say, nothing controversial in it; local opinion is in favour of it, and central opinion as well.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.