HL Deb 28 February 1929 vol 72 cc1219-22

Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.

THE EARL OF LUCAN

My Lords, on account of the late hour I propose only formally to move the Second Reading of this Bill. I understand that my noble

ing this girl's character by that means and making legitimate the child so conceived in order that you may say that, because the law will allow it to be born in wedlock and be the child of marriage, you have redeemed its state. These people have merely to wait and the child can be legitimated by the operation of the existing law.

If the idea of this adjournment is to enable your Lordships to say that this system of forcing children into marriage because they are going to have children ought to be supported by the authority of your Lordships' House I should certainly not consider it for a single moment even if I stood alone. I think it is one of the last and the worst things done to children in this country. I am quite unable to accept any further adjournment of this matter. I can see no reason why it should be adjourned. If your Lordships think otherwise I must accept it, but I cannot possibly assent to it.

On Question, Whether the House shall now resume?

Their Lordships divided:—Contents, 24; Not-Contents, 11.

CONTENTS.
Salisbury, M. (L. Privy Seal.) Novar, V. Davidson of Lambeth, L.
Peel, V. Desart, L. (E. Desart.)
Clarendon, E. Fairfax of Cameron, L.
Iddesleigh, E. Liverpool, L. Bp. Fairlie, L. (K. Glasgow.)
Lucan, E. [Teller.] Banbury of Southam, L. Gage, L. (V. Gage.) [Teller.]
Scarbrough, E. Bledisloe, L. Hanworth, L.
Clanwilliam, L. (E. Clanwilliam.) Howard of Glossop, L.
Bertie of Thame, V. Sempill, L.
FitzAlan of Derwent, V. Darling, L. Sinclair, L.
Templemore, L.
NOT-CONTENTS.
Reading, M. Allendale, V. Buckmaster, L. [Teller.]
Newton, L.
Beauchamp, E. Southwark, L. Bp. Redesdale, L.
Cawdor, E. Arnold, L. Sandhurst, L.
Stanmore, L. [Teller.]

friend Lord Banbury of Southam has certain criticisms to make. He was kind enough to tell me he will bring them forward on the Motion to go into Committee. I beg to move the Bill be read a second time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 2ª.—(The Earl of Lucan.)

LORD BANBURY OF SOUTHAM

My Lords, I do not propose to say anything now. I object to certain clauses in the Bill which perpetuate the old abuse of giving Departments powers, to make Regulations, but owing to the time, and understanding that my position is not prejudiced, I will reserve what I have to say until the Committee stage.

LORD ARNOLD

My Lords, I quite recognise that no discussion is wanted now, and I am willing to fall in with the arrangement. I would only say at this moment that as far as we on this Bench are concerned we give support to this Bill.

On Question, Bill read 2ª and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.

House adjourned at twenty minutes before eight o'clock.