THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, in moving the next Motion I ought to explain, perhaps, the points which I think it is desirable should be examined by a Select Committee. In regard to Private Bills the Chairman of Committees has power under Standing Orders to refer unopposed Bills to a Select Committee and it is a question for consideration whether Special Orders should not be able to be referred to a Committee, although unopposed, in the same way. I also think it would be desirable that Standing Orders should be extended so as to give the Special Orders Committee power to report where important questions of principle are concerned or new precedents created. With regard to Special Orders partaking of the nature of Public Bills there are certain anomalies of procedure. Some requiring an affirmative Resolution come before the Special Orders Committee, others do not, and it is a question for consideration whether the Standing Orders should not be altered so as to include all the Special Orders of the same nature. I think it is desirable that these points should be looked into and the Standing Order considered. Perhaps there might be one or two other small points which the Committee might go into as well.
§ Moved, That a Select Committee be appointed to consider and report whether any, and if so, what amendment of Standing Order No. 212, relative to Special Orders, is desirable.—(The Earl of Onslow)
468§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.