§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ 4.10 p.m.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Law Officers' Department (Mr. Arthur Davidson)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
This is purely and simply a consolidation measure. The principal Act consolidated is the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1923 which itself consolidated a number of measures dating back to 1861. The other principal Act consolidated is the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1972.
Since 1923 not only has the substantive law been changed but a number of enactments altering the administration of the law have also been changed. Both aspects are consolidated in this measure which accurately represents the law as it now stands. It is customary to say on these occasions that this Bill has been considered by the Joint Consolidation Committee which has come to the conclusion that the Bill is purely consolidation. The Bill has, of course, been through its stages in another place.
§ 4.12 p.m.
§ Sir David Renton (Huntingdonshire)The Government have tabled this important and useful consolidation Bill for completion of all of its stages today. We find ourselves starting the Bill at 4.10 p.m. on a Friday. My heart bleeds for the Parliamentary Secretary, who has to remain here. I have three engagements in my constituency this evening but nothing will stop me from doing what I consider to be my duty.
Some of my angling constituents have made representations to me about the way in which this consolidation has been made. I am afraid that I shall have to detain hon. Members briefly on two points when we reach Committee stage.
All consolidation Bills arc welcome and we need much more consolidation of our statutes if their quality is to be improved. But when the Second Reading begins after four o'clock on a Friday it produces a sense of frustration. I have a constructive proposal to make to the Government, namely that if they felt it necessary to table consolidation Bills at 2022 all on a Friday, and if those Bills are not reached before four o'clock, the matter should be adjourned until another day rather than that the House should begin consideration of the Bill at such an hour. I welcome the Bill.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read a Second time.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Mr. Thomas Cox.]
§ Bill immediately considered in Committee.
§ [Mr. GEORGE THOMAS in the Chair]
§ The ChairmanI understand that the right hon. and learned Member for Huntingdonshire (Sir David Renton) wishes to speak on Clauses 4 and 25. Is that so?
§ Sir David RentonThat is so.
§ The ChairmanWith permission I will put clauses 1 to 3 together.
§ Clauses 1 to 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.