§ VISCOUNT BURNHAMhad given Notice to move, That Standing Orders Nos. 96 and 97 be considered in order to their being dispensed with and that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee. The noble Viscount said: My Lords, I may be allowed in making this Motion, to explain that I wish to make a small Amendment to the words as they appear on the Paper. I wish to add the words, "and that the Committee have leave to hear Counsel and to examine witnesses on oath if they see fit." Far be it from me to-day to argue the case of the Albert Hall on its merits. All I wish to procure is that in determining its future the inquiry shall take place on public and general grounds as well as on private and interested grounds.
As your Lordships know, if the ordinary procedure in the case of a Private Bill were followed only those would be entitled to be heard who had presented Petitions which were allowed. In the case of a public inquiry all interests will be considered, and the Committee will be able to hear any witnesses whom they may see fit to summon. It has been urged that unfair expense might be thereby imposed on the promoters, but I would point out that the Committee need only hear Counsel if they see fit, and in any case I do not consider that this would be true.
Your Lordships need not be concerned as to any want of precedent for the course that I now recommend. In both Houses there have been many instances in which Private Bills have been referred to Select Committees and I believe that in another place the Scottish Railway Bill, which certainly partook of the nature of special interests to a greater extent than the Royal Albert Hall, was so dealt with. My noble friend behind me says that the South Eastern and Chatham Railway Bill was also thus treated. I would only recommend this 745 Motion for your Lordships' acceptance because it is admitted that there is a public interest of long standing in the Royal Albert Hall and that it is fit and proper, before there be fresh legislation in regard to its status, that there should be proper inquiry and consideration at your Lordships' hands.
§ Moved, That Standing Orders Nos. 96 and 97 be considered in order to their being dispensed with and that the Bill be referred to a Select Committee, and that the Committee have leave to hear Counsel and to examine witnesses on oath if they see fit.—(Viscount Burnham.)
THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF DONOUGHMORE)My Lords, I think it may save your Lordships' time as we have several important matters for discussion later in the evening, if I say at once that I have been in communication with the representatives of the Royal Albert Hall and that they do not offer any objection to my noble friend's Motion. On the other hand they would, of course, give the Committee every possible assistance they can. I am glad my noble friend has moved this Motion with the additional words, which I think will facilitate the proceedings.
§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)My Lords, I do not think it is necessary for me to add anything to what has been said, except to say on behalf of His Majesty's Government that we are very glad to hear of the decision my noble friend has arrived at, and that it is acceptable to the promoters, as has been announced by the Lord Chairman.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.
§ The Petition of the Royal Choral Society praying to be heard against the Bill referred to the Select Committee.