§ 2.55 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF ST. MARYLEBONE)My Lords, I rise to move that this Bill be now read a second time. It appears a formidable document: There are 15 parts, 295 clauses, 25 Schedules, about 395 pages and one table of derivations. It is, despite its size, a consolidation Bill and therefore I do not and, I fancy, other noble Lords will not, wish to make speeches about the policy. It consolidates with some Law Commission amendments the law in England and Wales of Town and Country Planning. It includes some of the newly passed Highways Bill and indeed has had to wait for the passage of that measure. All the Law Commission's amendments, except one, are intended to remove anomalies that have come to light in the process of consolidation. The exception deals with a minor point of substance relating to the impact of the change in the system of protection of listed buildings on the classes of work for which capital monies can be applied under the Settled Land Act 1925.
My Lords, I am sure that the Joint Committee will examine this fascinating subject, as well as the Bill itself, with their usual thoroughness. I am most grateful to the draftsman and to the Law Commission for their monumental work on this Bill and I beg to move that it be now read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read a. —(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.