§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, the purpose of this Bill is to validate the election to another place of Christopher John Holland-Martin, Esquire, notwithstanding his holding the office of local Director of the Bank of New Zealand, and to indemnify him from any penal consequences which he may have incurred by sitting and voting as a Member of that House. Noble Lords will probably remember that a similar Bill, the Validation of Elections (No. 1) Bill, was before your Lordships' House shortly before the Recess. On that occasion, although that measure had 75 aroused some controversy elsewhere, your Lordships were of opinion that it was not a matter into which this House need go in any detail. This Bill has also aroused some controversy elsewhere, but I do not doubt that your Lordships will wish to consider it in exactly the same way. I therefore beg formally to move that the Bill be read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a, —(Lord Mancroft.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a: Committee negatived.