§ Not amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.
§ 11.7 a.m.
§ Mr. David Gibson-Watt (Hereford)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.
The Bill has had no opposition from any right hon. or hon. Member in the House, and those of us who have been into the details of it and know the reasons for the Bill will not be surprised at that, because, although it may not affect many people in this country, it will affect a small number a very great deal. About 300 children will, every year, now be in a position of having a proper birth certificate, and those of us who have had to present our birth certificates when asking for a job know what that means in relation to the stigma of illegitimacy.
I should like to say a word of thanks, first, particularly to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Mr. J. Howard), who first had an interest in this. Bill, and, secondly, to all those hon. Gentlemen on both sides of the House who have supported me.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.