§ Order of the Day for the Third Reading read.
§ LORD MERRIVALEMy Lords, in moving the Third Reading of this Bill perhaps I may be permitted to say that I had a little discussion with my noble friend who represents the Home Office here. I knew that he could not be present to-day because of official duties elsewhere, but I told him that I should move the Third Reading in order that the Bill might proceed to the House of Commons, where I have every reason to expect it will be proceeded with and will be generally accepted. But I told my noble friend also that I had no intention of pressing the Bill to its final stage while the Committee, which he has mentioned to the House on one or two occasions, which is discussing kindred topics to that with which the Bill deals, is still in action, provided that the proceedings of the Committee are not unduly extended. It is a Departmental Committee and everybody who has had experience knows that such a Committee may go on indefinitely. I am told, however, that this Report is expected early in this year, and I shall ask my friends who will take charge of this Bill in the House of Commons to take reasonable account of that. On the other hand, I hope that the Home Office will take reasonable account of the Bill. Everybody who knows about the matter knows that there is a strong 122 demand that something should be done, and if no other definite proposal is made I think the proposals in the Bill should be accepted.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a.—(Lord Merrivale.)
§ On Question, Bill read 3a, and passed, and sent to the Commons.