§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD DESBOROUGHMy Lords, I rise to propose the Second Reading of this Bill, which, though it is a small one, will, I hope, be useful. It arises out of the Report of the Imperial Conference which took place at the end of last year, when a special Sub-Committee was appointed in order to see if it were not possible to secure that compensation which had been awarded in one portion of. His Majesty's Dominions should be transferred to another, if necessary, so that the funds might be distributed there 1022 and thus save a great deal of trouble. If this Bill is passed the effect of it will be to enable compensation awards to be paid to the beneficiaries of workmen who have obtained compensation in the country in which those beneficiaries are residing. At present there is no power to do that, but if this Bill is passed it will give that facility, which is greatly wanted. The Bill will extend not merely to the self-governing Dominions but to all parts of the Empire.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Desborough.)
§ VISCOUNT HALDANEMy Lords, I see no objection at all to this Bill. On the contrary I think it will be very useful.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.
§ House adjourned at twenty minutes before five o'clock.