HL Deb 05 February 1986 vol 470 cc1131-2

2.43 p.m.

Lord Renton

My Lords, on behalf of and at the request of my noble friend Lord Molson, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in his name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will undertake the consolidation of the Parliamentary Costs Act 1865, the Parliamentary Costs Act 1871, the House of Commons Costs Taxation Act 1847, the House of Lords Costs Taxation Act 1849 and the House of Commons Taxation Act 1879; and any clauses of other Acts relevant to this matter.

The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)

My Lords, the Law Commission is chiefly responsible for work concerning the consolidation of statute law. I understand that it has at present no plans to consolidate the particular enactments to which my noble friend refers in the Question. The commission is, however, always prepared to listen to proposals in this respect, and I will see that my noble friend's Question and this Answer are brought to its attention.

Lord Renton

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend I thank my noble and learned friend for that largely encouraging reply.

Baroness White

My Lords, may I support the request submitted by the noble Lord, Lord Renton, on behalf of his noble friend? The present state of the law is extremely inconvenient, particularly for some local voluntary organisations which take part in inquiries. I hope that in the process the Act of 1867 and the Statutory Orders (Special Procedure) Act 1945, which was called in aid in discussions on the Okehampton bypass, will be included in any consultation that might be considered appropriate.

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, the Question refers to consolidation and not to amendment. I do not see—perhaps I have it wrong—any Act of 1867 in the Question; neither is the Act of 1945, which is the one that applies to the Okehampton bypass. However, if the noble Baroness will write to me with any particulars which she has I shall be very glad to look into the matter.

Baroness White

My Lords, I am most grateful for that reply, but the noble and learned Lord on the Woolsack will appreciate that at the conclusion of his Question the noble Lord, Lord Molson, states: and any clauses of other Acts relevant to this matter".