§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA AND BURMA (THE EARL OF MUNSTER)My Lords, in moving the Second Reading of this Bill, I, too, need not detain your Lordships for more than a very few 293 moments. The Bill, as the House knows, has already received approval in another place. It is designed to extend, for a further period of one year, the suspension of the local elections throughout the country. This is, I regret to say, the fifth time that legislation of this character has been before your Lordships. The case for the further continuance of the suspension has not altered in any way since last year, and although we naturally appreciate the desire for those elections to be held again at the earliest possible moment, it is, I think, quite clear that it would be impossible at the present time. I do not think I need add anything further as to these matters, with which your Lordships are well acquainted, but if there is any information that your Lordships should desire I will do my best to give it. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.— (The Earl of Munster.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.