§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, I have it in command from Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales to acquaint the House that they, having been informed of the purport of the Landlord and Tenant (Covenants) Bill, have consented to place their perogative and interest, so far as they are affected by the Bill, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.
§ The Earl of NortheskMy Lords, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a third time. I hope that your Lordships will permit the small indulgence of a few words. It would be a discourtesy if I were to let the moment pass without paying due tribute to my noble friend Lord Courtown for the masterful way in which he steered the Bill to this stage. His assiduous and skilful handling of matters has been given its just reward, and I take this opportunity to congratulate him most warmly upon his new position. My noble friend has asked me to step into the breach vacated by his appointment. I am entirely happy so to do, secure in the knowledge that his sterling efforts have ensured that the Bill will be workable and effective, and that the ghost of Amendment No. 61, which caused my noble friend some agonies in Committee, will not haunt me.
1683 I should also take this opportunity on behalf of my noble friend to reiterate his gratitude to my noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor and his department, to the Law Commission and to parliamentary counsel for their invaluable assistance. Thanks are also due to the noble Lord, Lord Irvine of Lairg, to the noble Lord, Lord Meston, and to the BRC and the BPF.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read a third time.—(The Earl of Northesk.)
§ On Question, Bill read a third time.
§ The Earl of NortheskMy Lords, I beg to move that the Bill do now pass.
§ Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(The Earl of Northesk.)
§ On Question, Bill passed, and returned to the Commons with amendments.