§ LORD DARLING moved that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee. The noble and learned Lord said: My Lords, as you are aware, this Bill is designed to put a stop to various undesirable practices which occur at public auctions as the result of persons conspiring together to offer less than the value of goods entered for sale. The Order referring the Bill to a Committee of the Whole 267 House having been discharged, I am moving that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee. The reason for that step is that I have received representations which I could not possibly disregard that that is the proper course to take with a Bill of this character, and I have had a great many letters from people who would be anxious to give evidence were such a Committee appointed. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be referred to a Select Committee—(Lord Darling.)
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for accepting the suggestion that this Bill should be sent to a Select Committee. It is an important Bill; it alters the law in an important respect and creates a new criminal offence. I think it is most desirable that the points that have been raised and others that may be raised should be referred to a Select Committee before the Bill is dealt with by the House. I will venture to send my noble and learned friend a note on the Bill, in order to put him in possession of the points which have occurred to me, but I need not trouble the House with those points.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to and ordered accordingly.