HL Deb 15 February 1922 vol 49 cc156-7
LORD MUIR MACKENZIE

My Lords, I beg to make the Motion of which I have given Notice—namely:—"That it is desirable that all Consolidation Bills in the present session be referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament." I have had the honour of moving a Resolution of this kind not once nor twice, and your Lordships have always been good enough to accede to it. It is generally allowed, I think, in both Houses of Parliament that the work of consolidation is useful if it is not very exciting, and I have reason to think, at any rate I hope, that the noble and learned Viscount on the Woolsack approves of this Motion and desires that we should get on with this work as far as we can. I happen to know that there are several Bills already in such a position that they might very soon be brought before such a Committee, and if the House accepts the Motion, I have no doubt the Committee will put their backs into the work. I beg to move.

Moved to resolve, "That it is desirable that all Consolidation Bills in the present session be referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament."—(Lord Muir Mackenzie.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

The noble and learned Lord very frequently discharges a useful duty in making this Motion and, as he told your Lordships, I am entirely in favour of it. I do not apprehend that there will be any difference of opinion upon the point.

On Question, Motion agreed to.