§ House in Committee (according to Order).
§ Moved, That the Bill be reported to the House without amendment.—(Lord Buck-master.)
§ LORD SYDENHAMMy Lords, there are one or two things I wanted to say, and as Clause 3 was not discussed in Committee, I hope I may be permitted to say them now. The noble and learned Lord in charge of the Bill has said that this is a very mild measure. I think he is right, but, if that is so, whether it becomes a success or not will depend entirely upon the way in which it is administered. That, in turn, will depend upon the Advisory Committee which is being set up. Under Clause 3 there are to be always three representatives of the plumage trade. I think that is rather liberal, and should myself have preferred that these gentlemen should be treated as witnesses and not as judges, because they are deeply interested pecuniarily in the importation of plumage. On the other hand, there are representative bodies which have taken a most active part in the promotion of the Bill and have its objects most closely at heart.
I should like to ask the Government if they are prepared to undertake that one representative of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and one representative of the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals should sit upon that Committee. These bodies, as Lord Lambourne said the other day, are most deeply interested in the object of the Bill, and would, I am perfectly certain, very much like to be represented on this Committee. When the great efforts which have been devoted to getting this Bill through Parliament have exhausted themselves, it may well happen that we shall have a reaction. I did not like to put down an Amendment, because this is to be an agreed Bill, but, if the noble and learned Lord has no objection, I should like to ask whether the Government can give the assurance for which I ask. I think the House will agree that it. is a very reasonable request.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to: Bill reported without amendment accordingly.