§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Hylton.)
§ LORD BUCKMASTERMy Lords, the reading of this Bill a second time will no doubt proceed as a matter of course. But, speaking for myself, I should be unwilling that the Bill should pass without taking an opportunity of calling your Lordships' attention to the amount of money which it provides. It provides £1,133,852 for services which end on March 31 this year, and it provides towards the supply of next year £440,310,000, and we all know that this is about one-third of the total amount that will be required. A debate will take place in your Lordships' House in a few moments on the financial position of the country, and upon that debate it will be clearly far more convenient that remarks should be addressed on the character and expenditure in which this Government is involving the nation. I only desire to mention, before this Bill passes, that assent to this Bill should not be taken to assume assent to the circumstances and conditions which have rendered this amount necessary.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a; Committee negatived.