§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD HYLTONMy Lords, this is a Bill which is usually brought in at this period of the session. The list of Acts to which it refers will be found recited in the schedule attached to the Bill, and therefore I need not trouble your Lordships by mentioning them. I move that the Bill be read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Hylton.)
§ VISCOUNT HALDANEMy Lords, this is a good old-fashioned Bill which is brought forward every year. I only rise to make the observation that I see the Militia Acts are kept alive. I am not suggesting it now, but I think that before this time next year—if, indeed, the Government are handling these affairs then—they might look into the question of whether we might not get rid of these old Militia Acts. The whole system is perfectly obsolete now. I myself have been responsible for putting them into the Expiring Laws Continuance Act in my own time when I was a Minister, but I think that the Government might consider a revision of this schedule in a liberal and modern spirit.
§ LORD HYLTONI will make enquiries as to whether the suggestion of the noble and learned Viscount can be adopted. I think, however, that your Lordships might regret that a fine old force like the Militia should be omitted.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.