§ The House met at a quarter before four of the clock, The EARL OF ONSLOW on the Woolsack.
§ The Lord Blythswood—Sat first in Parliament after the death of his brother.
§ Several Peers—Took the Oath.
§ The Lord Dudley—Sat first in Parliament after the death of his father.
§ NORTH DEVON WATER BILL. [H.L.]
§ NORTH DEVON ELECTRIC POWER BILL. [H.L.]
§ LORD ELTISLEY had given Notice that he would move, That Standing Order No. 105 be considered in order to it being dispensed with in respect of the said Bills, and that the Bills be now read 2a. The noble Lord said: My Lords, I beg to move that Standing Order No. 105 be considered in order to it being dispensed with in respect of the North Devon Water Bill and the North Devon Electric Power Bill. I think the Lord Chairman will agree that this is a purely formal Motion that has to be made when a Bill is not ready for debate within the time prescribed by Standing Order No. 105. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That Standing Order No. 105 be considered in order to it being dispensed with in respect of the North Devon Water Bill and the North Devon Electric Power Bill.—(Lord Eltisley.)
§ THE EARL OF HALSBURYMy Lords, I rather object to this. The reason why there has to be this dispensation is that the promoters could not find any Peer having anything to do with Devon to move the Second Reading during the last sittings. I do not see why we should have to deal with the Bills now.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.