THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (LORD MERTHYR)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Merthyr.)
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I propose to delay the proceedings for only a moment. I was associated with this area, and I have certain misgivings about this Bill. I do not want to oppose the Second Reading to-day, in view of the fact that there are likely to be Petitions which will come before the Committee. I should, however, like an assurance that there will be a further opportunity to express opposition if we feel that to be still necessary.
VISCOUNT ST. DAVIDSMy Lords, I also have some misgivings about this Bill. It appears as if the main substance of the Bill is taking a short cut and short-circuiting certain decisions which may have to be taken by the British Waterways Board. For that reason, I also wish to agree with the last speaker that it is very necessary that there should be an opportunity to examine this matter at a later stage.
LORD MERTHYRMy Lords, I think that both noble Lords who have spoken can be assured that there will be a further opportunity to deal with this Bill, namely, on Third Reading, if at no other time. This is an opposed Bill. There is a Petition from the Manchester Ship Canal Company, and a joint Petition by five organisations using the canal for pleasure. Therefore the noble Lord can be quite sure that all issues which have been raised will be dealt with by a Select Committee of your Lordships upstairs. I hope that, with that assurance, he will allow the Bill to have a Second Reading this afternoon,
§ LORD BROCKWAYI thank my noble friend very much.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and referred to the Examiners.