§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
THE DUKE OF SUTHERLANDMy Lords, this is a short Bill which has been passed in another place. Its object is to abolish the present statutory requirements in regard to prisons which may be discontinued. It is designed to amend the Prisons (Scotland) Act, 1877, so as to provide that any prison which may fall out of use should not be put up for public auction. An instance has arisen in Edinburgh where the Old Calton prison is discontinued. Your Lordships will agree that it would be very regrettable if it were to fall into the hands of a purchaser who might desire to use it in a way that would be prejudicial to the interests of the City of Edinburgh. This Bill proposes to give power to the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury to dispose of it as may seem fit. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2ª.—(The Duke of Sutherland.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2ª, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.