§ 25. Mr. Skinnerasked the Attorney-General if he is aware that abolition of the requirement for leave under the Limitation Act, 1963 was excluded from the Law Commission's terms of reference; and if he will include this amendment in legislation to amend the Act.
§ 26. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Attorney-General if he is aware that abolition of the requirement for leave under the Limitation Act, 1963 was excluded from the Law Commission's terms of reference; and if he will now ensure that this reform is nevertheless included in early legislation to amend the Act.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Peter Rawlinson)I would refer the hon. Members to the answer I gave on 5th November. I have now received the Law Commission's advice. It has advised that the 12-month period under the Act should be extended to three years. The Government have accepted this advice.—[Vol. 805, c. 432.]
§ Mr. AllaunI thank the Attorney-General most warmly for that helpful reply, which will be of great importance 1027 to miners and other industrial workers throughout the country.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI share with the hon. Gentleman his view that this will be a considerable help, not only to the people he has mentioned but also generally, and I am glad that the Law Commission has been able to recommend in this sense.
§ Mr. S. C. SilkinI agree entirely with what my hon. Friend has said, but will the Attorney-General consider making this reform retrospective; otherwise many people might be excluded?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThat was not under consideration by the Law Commission. We have to consider it. All I can say is that the Government have accepted what the Law Commission advised in a complicated matter.