HC Deb 03 July 1953 vol 517 c820

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

3.56 p.m.

Mr. W. R. Williams (Droylsden)

Are we just taking the Bill formally, Mr. Speaker, because I intended to ask a question?

Mr. Speaker

The Bill is a Consolidation Bill, and the only question on Second Reading is whether it is wiser to leave the existing law scattered about in separate Acts or to combine it in one Act.

Mr. Williams

I want to ask whether insufficient power is vested in the Assistant Postmaster-General. Would it not be the correct procedure for me to raise that now?

Mr. Speaker

The only matter which the hon. Member can raise is the advisability of consolidating the law.

Mr. C. R. Hobson (Keighley)

Perhaps the Attorney-General could give us an undertaking that there has been no alteration in the law during the consolidation.

The Attorney-General (Sir Lionel Heald)

I can say that the Joint Committee have reported that the Bill consolidates the existing law with such corrections and improvements as can properly be authorised under the Consolidation Enactments (Procedure) Act, 1949.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Mr. Wills.]

Committee upon Monday next.

    c820
  1. REGISTRATION SERVICE BILL [Lords] 18 words