§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
LORD BALFOUR OF BURLEIGHMy Lords, the object of this Bill is to amend the Act of 1891 which hears the same title. That Act enabled the management and maintenance of roads in any police burgh in Scotland to be transferred from the county council to the town council of the burgh concerned on terms either agreed or settled by the sheriff. Among the terms in such cases are those that provide for the payment of an annual sum, and the object of this Bill is to permit the commutation of such annual payment into the payment of a capital sum on the basis laid down in the Bill. The Convention of Royal Burghs and the Association of County Councils in Scotland, the two road authorities, have both asked for the Bill, and I hope therefore that it may be regarded as non-contentious. I have only to add that the Bill involves no charge on the Exchequer. I beg to move that it be now read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Balfour of Burleigh.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.