§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD TEMPLEMOREMy Lords, this Bill is an old friend of this House, in fact, one might almost call it a hardy annual. In a slightly different shape it has passed this House I think four times, in 1921, 1922, 1924 and 1925. It was not taken up in another place until 1924 and in that year and again last year it was held up owing to strong objections to some of its provisions. The Bill in its original form applied to all chartered associations. Great objection was taken to this by certain non-chartered associations, the most prominent amongst them being the Incorporated Society of accountants. This opposition was directed against the privileged position in which 131 chartered associations find themselves and it led to the insertion in Clause 1 of the words "not being an association representative of any profession or business."
Subsections (1) and (3) of Clause 1 set out in detail exactly what the Bill proposes to do, and it will be seen that subsection (2) of Clause 1 and Clauses 2 and 3 contain ample safeguards that the Bill will not be invoked in an unnecessary manner. Subsection (4) of Clause 1 lays down the penalty for contravention of this clause, and the latter part of that subsection provides for permission to use uniforms and badges in plays and pageants, provided they are not used in such a manner as to bring the uniform and badges in question into ridicule or contempt. This Bill is considered by the promoters to supply a badly-felt want. I may say that it is specially welcomed by such associations as the Boy Scouts, the Girl Guides, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem and the University of Sheffield. They are among the bodies who have given their benediction to this Bill. I understand that all opposition was satisfied in another place and that the Bill passed its final stages unopposed. I also understand that the Home Office approve of the Bill. I therefore ask your Lordships to read it a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2ª.—(Lord Templemore.)
§ LORD DESBOROUGHMy Lords, it is quite true, as my noble friend Lord Templemore has said, that the Home Office looks upon this Bill with more than benevolence and neutrality, and, especially after the insertion of two Amendments which were moved in another place, they have reason to give their blessing to the Bill.
§ On Question, Bill read 2ª, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.