§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (VISCOUNT NOVAE)My Lords, this is a simple measure designed to effect improvements in the machinery of town council elections, and it is brought forward at the instance of the larger burghs to avoid inconvenience and expense. The first clause gives four more days for the arrangements for the election. The work is heavy and is clone under extreme pressure. This clause applies altogether to the five largest burghs but may be adopted by other burghs. Clause 2 enables the returning officer of a burgh divided into wards to appoint deputies, bringing the law into line with that applying to Parliamentary elections. Clause 3 ensures that the results are declared by four o'clock on the following day. Clause 4 enables a returning officer to appoint suitable polling places. Clause 5 applies to the special case of the Glasgow Parish Councils elections. The Bill is quite uncontroversial, and I hope it may pass in time for the autumn elections. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.— (Viscount Novar.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.