HC Deb 25 April 1968 vol 763 cc634-5

Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

Mr. Gerard Fitt (Belfast, West)

Could I ask for a little information in relation to Clause 21 of the Bill? I ask my right hon. Friend under what section of the criminal code is flogging and corporal punishment still retained in Northern Ireland. If I am correct in my thinking, it is maintained in Northern Ireland under the provisions of the Special Powers Act, 1922, and I was wondering whether representations had been made or could have been made by my right hon. and learned Friend to the Northern Ireland authorities to do away with this particular Act, especially in view of the fact that Human Rights Year is being celebrated all over the world.

The Deputy Chairman

I am in some difficulty. I did not, in fact, dispose of Clause 21 so technically the hon. Gentleman is in order in speaking on it, but it is going to make the debate follow a very unsatisfactory course if a debate arises on Clause 21. However, if Mr. Solicitor-General would answer briefly we could perhaps get out of this difficulty.

The Solicitor-General

I am happy to do all I can to assist my hon. Friend in the matter that he has raised. I am sure he will take it from me that this is a Consolidation Bill; that what we are concerned with here is solely the question whether the contents of the Bill accurately set out the existing law. That is the point which I ask my hon. Friend to reflect upon and to accept from me, and it therefore follows, as I understand it, Mr. Irving, that any consideration of the merits of any particular provision would be quite out of order.

The Deputy Chairman

The Solicitor-General is perfectly correct.

Question put and agreed to.

Clauses ordered to stand pant of the Bill.

Clauses 37 to 55 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedules 1 to 5 agreed to.

Bill reported, without Amendment.

Motion made, and Question, That the Bill be now read a Third time, put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 55 (Third Reading), and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed, without Amendment.