This is a formal Bill, and I do not think it calls for any discussion. In 1920 an Act was passed called the Harbours, Docks and Piers (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, which empowered certain harbour authorities whose charges were regulated by statute to increase these charges. Orders made under that Act were due to expire with the Act in 1923, but the currency of these orders was continued by the Statutory Undertakings (Continuance of Charges) Act, 1923. In 1934, however, the Harbours (Regulation of Rates) Act was passed, and it provided permanent machinery for the regulation of harbour rates. It was based upon the recommendation of the Ports and Harbours Tribunal. The purpose of this Bill is merely to give the orders made under the temporary measure the same status as orders under the Harbours (Regulation of Rates) Act, and to provide for the variation or revocation of these orders by new orders made under the 1934 Act.
Private Business. - Harbours, Docks and Piers (Charges) Bill, 1936—Second Stage.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
Question put and agreed to.