§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ 12.56 a.m.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Law Officers' Department (Mr. Arthur Davidson)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
The Bill repeals no fewer than 222 whole Acts of Parliament and one whole Church Assembly measure on the ground that they are no longer of practical utility. It also repeals parts of 210 Acts and of four Church Assembly measures. It is based on the Reports of the Law Commission and the Law Commission for Scotland, to whose work I pay tribute.
Many of the measures have exotic titles. Many are Acts of Attainder, one affecting Sir Thomas More. At another time, the House could have had some fun reciting the titles. At this time of night, I shall content myself with the hope that the House will agree to give the Bill a Second Reading.
§ 12.57 a.m.
§ Mr. Keith Speed (Ashford)I welcome the Bill and associate myself with what the Minister has said. My heart sank when I saw that the first Bill to be repealed was the Royal Naval Reserve (Volunteer) Act 1859. As a member of the Reserve, I wondered whether I was to be repealed, too, but I am relieved to know that that is not so. We welcome the Bill.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read a Second time.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Mr. Snape.]
§ Bill immediately considered in Committee; reported, without amendment.
§ Motion made, and Question, That the Bill be now read the Third time, put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 56 (Third Reading), and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed, without amendment.