HL Deb 24 January 1980 vol 404 cc546-8

4 p.m.

The LORD ADVOCATE (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do now resolve itself into Committee (on Recommitment) on this Bill.

Moved, that the House do now resolve itself into Committee (on Recommitment).—(Lord Mackay of Clashfern.)

The LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylehone)

My Lords, in putting this Question, may I tell the House that I may be sitting judicially next week and I hope that my absence from the Woolsack will not be adversely commented upon in consequence. The Question is that the House do now resolve itself into Committee (on Recommitment) upon the said Bill.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House in Committee (on Recommitment) accordingly.

[The EARL of LISTOWEL in the Chair.]

Clauses 1 to 10 agreed to.

Clause 11 [Saving for Jewish and Mohammedan method of slaughter]

Lord MACKAY of CLASHFERN moved Amendment No. 1: Page 7, line 6, leave out ("Mohammedans by a Mohammedan") and insert ("Muslims by a Muslim").

The noble and learned Lord said: This is a consolidation measure. The words used in the existing statutes in reference to exemptions for certain religions refer to Mohammedans. It is thought appropriate in the consolidation to substitute "Muslims". That is the reason for the first three of the amendments proposed. I beg to move.

Lord DAVIES of LEEK

Some of us in the Committee are trying to find out why "Muslims" has been substituted for "Mohammedans". Can the noble and learned Lord tell us why, so that we are not accepting matters uninformed?

Lord MACKAY of CLASHFERN

My understanding is that those who answer this description prefer now to be called by this name, and we see no reason why we should not give effect to their wishes.

Lord DAVIES of LEEK

I am satisfied, thank you.

On Question, amendment agreed to.

Lord MACKAY of CLASHFERN moved Amendment No. 2: Page 7, line 10, leave out ("Mohammedan ") and insert (" Muslim ").

On Question, amendment agreed to.

Clause 11, as amended, agreed to.

Clauses 12 to 15 agreed to.

Clause 16 [Further provisions in relation to licensing of slaughtermen and knackers]:

Lord MACKAY of CLASHFERN moved Amendment No. 3: Page 10, line 24, leave out ("Mohammedan method for the food of Mohammedans") and insert ("Muslim method for the food of Muslims").

On Question, amendment agreed to.

Clause 16, as amended, agreed to.

Clauses 17 to 21 agreed to.

Clause 22 [Interpretation]:

Lord MACKAY of CLASHFERN moved Amendment No. 4: Page 12, line 34, leave out from ("authority"") to ("means") in line 36.

The noble and learned Lord said: This is a drafting amendment in order to give effect to a provision of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and to ensure that the consolidated measure is in accordance with the existing law. I beg to move.

On Question, amendment agreed to.

Clause 22, as amended, agreed to.

Remaining clauses and schedules agreed to.

House resumed: Bill reported with the amendments.