§ The Earl of LauderdaleMy Lords, I understand that no amendments have been set down to this Bill and that no noble Lord has indicated a wish to move a manuscript amendment or to speak in Committee. Therefore, unless any noble Lord objects, I beg to move that the order of commitment be discharged.
§ Lord BoothbyMy Lords, may I rise to give a warm welcome to the Bill?
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)My Lords, I must put the Question first, if noble Lords will be seated. The Question is, That the order of commitment be discharged.
Moved, That the order of commitment be discharged.—(The Earl of Lauderdale.)
§ Lord BoothbyMy Lords, I understand that I can now speak. I beg your Lordships pardon for trying too soon, and I apologise to the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor. I wanted only to say that this is a very good Bill. I am certainly not proposing to move any amendment. I am particularly proud that it should have been introduced and put through another place by my successor as Member of Parliament for Banff and Buchan, Mr. Albert McQuarrie. It has given him, I am sure, great satisfaction. The key to the Bill, of course, is the automatic rocket. I have no doubt that it will save a great many valuable lives. I believe that your Lordships would wish to join me in expressing the hope that the passage of the Bill will bring some comfort to Mr. McQuarrie in the grievous personal loss that he has suffered.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.