§
Amendments made: No. 181, in page 62, line 55, at end insert—
'1974 c. 3
The Slaughterhouses Act 1974.
In section 32(2) the entries relating to sections 277 and 286 of the Public Health Act 1936'.
§ No. 182, in page 63, line 5, column 3, at end add—'Section 126(5)(a)'.—[Mr. Snape.]
§ 8.3 p.m.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettI beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.
I should not like this stage in the passage of the Bill to be concluded without my saying a word of thanks to hon. Members on both sides who contributed to the debates upon it. Their contributions have been most helpful, and I am sure that the Bill is now in far better shape as a consequence of our debates than it was when first introduced. Certainly, the number of amendments and new clauses now incorporated as a result of the initiative of hon. Members is an indication of the spirit which has pervaded our proceedings throughout the passage of the Bill thus far.
In particular, I must comment on the constructive attitude adopted by the Opposition, which has greatly simplified and hastened the progress of the Bill. I am sure that that approach stems from a general recognition on their part as well as ours that the Bill will be of great benefit to local authorities and will result in a significant reduction in the size of the Private Bills which many councils, in particular, are preparing as part of the rationalisation of local law following local government reorganisation. I very much hope that the Bill in its new extended 139 form will make it unnecessary for some councils to present Private Bills at all.
I add a general word of thanks to all hon. Members, and special gratitude to the hon. Member for Ashford (Mr. Speed) for the constructive attitude which he has shown throughout.
§ 8.4 p.m.
§ Mr. SpeedI am much obliged to the Minister both for his kind remarks and for the amendments which he and his leagues have tabled to meet many of the points which we raised in Committee. As he says, it is now a better Bill. It is certainly a far bigger Bill, thanks to the efforts of his hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, South (Mr. Marshall). That may in itself create a record, but we are greatly obliged none the less.
I hope that the Bill will now have a speedy passage through another place and soon reach the statute book so that local authorities may have the help which it will provide.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.