HL Deb 29 January 1976 vol 367 cc1118-9

4.1 p.m.

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a. —(Lord Kirkhill.)

On Question, Bill read 3a.

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill do now pass.

Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(Lord Kirkhill.)

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, I would not like this occasion to pass without marking what I think is the first Bill the noble Lord, Lord Kirkhill, has taken through all its stages in this House; and it was introduced in this House and not in the other place. Moreover, it is a technical Bill emanating from the Lord Advocate's Department. I wish to express our thanks for the way in which the noble Lord, Lord Kirkhill, answered many of the questions which were put and for the fact that he accepted a number of Amendments and made Amendments to meet our points. There was one difference of opinion on which clearly the Government had made up their mind and were not prepared to change the Bill, but I thank him for the way he handled it.

Lord WILSON of LANGSIDE

My Lords, may I add my thanks to the noble Lord, Lord Kirkhill, as one who has been perhaps a small thorn in his flesh—I hope not too serious a thorn—both in the House and behind the scenes? I am most grateful for the consideration he gave to the representations which were put to him.

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Croy, and the noble Earl, Lord Selkirk, for their very helpful suggestions for improving the Bill, some of which, I am glad to say, the Government have been able to accept. I also pay tribute to the contribution which my noble friend Lord Wilson of Langside made to our deliberations. Finally, I thank all noble Lords who have assisted me in piloting this Bill through your Lordships' House.

On Question, Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.