§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ LORD AMULREEMy Lords, this charity was founded in the 13th century, and was then refounded by charter of King James I. The hospital provides accommodation for the master, chaplain, six needy, poor, old men, and six needy, poor, old women. At present it is administered by the Bishop of Salisbury, with the Archbishop of Canterbury himself giving assistance and advice. The object of the present Bill is to dissolve that particular corporation and to appoint five trustees—one of whom, the master, shall be appointed by the Bishop of Salisbury under Letters Patent—and at the same time to improve and modernise the buildings. Both the Bishop of Salisbury and the Archbishop of Canterbury approve of the changes made; and the reason that Parliament has to approve it is that it is making an alteration in the Letters Patent of King James I. The Bill has been widely advertised, and I understand there has been no objection. I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a. —(Lord Amulree.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a: Committee negatived.