HC Deb 30 April 1936 vol 311 cc1231-2

Order for Second Reading read.

11 28 p.m.

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Simon)

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

I hope that the House will give this Bill a Second Reading. It is a simple consolidation Measure which does not seek to alter the law in any respect. About 75 years ago, in 1861, a Coinage Act was passed which at that time contained the whole of the criminal law on this subject. Since then, other Statutes have been added, including one last year, which was carried because of an International Convention. Therefore it became desirable to put the whole criminal law on this subject into a single Statute. The Bill was introduced into the House of Lords and it has passed before a Committee of both Houses, and I think the House may safely take it that it is a consolidation Statute. It has come to us from another place, and I hope it will be carried through this House and put on the Statute Book without much discussion.

11.30 p.m.

Major MILNER

As a Member of the Joint Committee I should like to support what the Home Secretary has said, and would venture to express the opinion that, if the House should see fit to pass the Bill in its present consolidated form, it would be a great convenience both to the legal profession and to the public.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a Second time.

Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House for Monday next.—[Captain Margesson.]