§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill I ought to explain that when there is a vacancy in the office of the President of the Probate, Divorce, and Admiralty Division great inconvenience has been felt because bonds which are required under the Court of Probate Act, 1857, can only be given to the President, and in the vacancy of the office there is a necessary suspension of that very important branch of public activities. The object of the Bill is to provide that in the event of such a vacancy such a bond can be given to a registrar.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ LORD PHILLIMOREMy Lords, I am extremely glad that the Government have brought in this Bill, which removes a very serious difficulty. I received a number of complaints from solicitors during the recent vacancy, when business was much interfered with, and I was much pressed to secure some legislation of this kind.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.