§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE EARL OF LUCANMy Lords, this is a Bill to confirm a Provisional Order, issued by the Secretary of State, to legalise certain marriages solemnized in a 588 Baptist chapel between May and August of last year. There had been a vacancy in the pastorate of the chapel at the time, and the deacons asked another Baptist minister to perform the ceremonies, in the mistaken belief that he was an authorised person within the meaning of the Act. He was not, in fact, an authorised person. There may therefore be some doubt as to the validity of these marriages, and it is in order to remove any doubt that this Order has been issued.
§ Moved, That this Bill be now read 2a.—(The Earl of Lucan.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed.