§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (THE EARL OF CRAWFORD)My Lords, this is a short, simple, and, I believe; useful measure. At the present moment there are two Masters in Lunacy. This Bill proposes that one Master and one Assistant Master shall in future do the work. An opportunity presents itself of making this alteration in the law, which effects a considerable economy, without impairing the efficiency of the work. I beg to move that the Bill be read a Second Time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.— (The Earl of Crawford.)
§ LORD MUIR MACKENZIEMy Lords, I address the House only because for many years I was exceedingly familiar with all the business in the Lunacy Department and with the legislation with regard to lunacy. Clause 1 makes a proposal that has been intended to be made, I believe, and certainly desired to be made, for a very long time, and I assert in a most positive manner that the business can be carried on efficiently under the diminished proposals contained in that clause. Clause 2 deals with a number of technical points, some of which have been under consideration for a long time, and of which I can say that they are both workable and desirable. One or two of them are new to me, but I have looked at them and I have not the least doubt that they are desirable alterations.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.