THE EARL OF CRAWFORDMy Lords, I beg to make the Motion of which Notice has been given in reference to the Empire Settlement Bill. This is a measure which was in the charge of my noble friend, the Duke of Sutherland. He has been called to Scotland to perform public duties, and, accordingly, I put the Bill down for Second Reading after your Lordships reassemble after Whitsuntide; but I have been approached from so many quarters to press this Bill forward, that I am venturing to ask that the Second Reading and, if possible, the subsequent stages, should be taken before the House adjourns for the recess. Otherwise, anything from two to three weeks will elapse before the Bill can become operative. It has already passed through the House of Commons with a very great measure of public approval.
Everything is awaiting the Royal Assent to the Bill, to allow this movement of people to the Dominions and Colonies Overseas. Pressure is coming from this country of persons who wish to go, and likewise from responsible authorities overseas who wish to receive these men, at the earliest possible moment. I, therefore, earnestly ask your Lordships to pass this Motion, and to give what co-operation you think fit in securing the passage of the Bill and the Royal Assent at the earliest moment. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the permission of the House be given to advance the Motion for the Second Reading of the Bill (now standing for the first day after the recess at Whitsuntide) to Monday next.—(The Earl of Crawford.)
771§ EARL STANHOPEDo I understand that the noble Earl proposes that the Bill should go through all its stages before Whitsuntide?
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDThat is my desire, or at any rate, that the House should give as many stages before Whitsuntide as it is prepared to grant. I want to make as much progress as I can.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.