§ Order for Second Reading read.
10.15 pm§ The Solicitor-General for Scotland (Mr. Nicholas Fairbairn)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
This measure consolidates a number of enactments relating to the slaughter of animals in slaughterhouses and knackers' yards in Scotland. The corresponding provisions as regards England and Wales have already been consolidated in 1958 and again in 1974.
The report of the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills is to the effect that the Bill is pure consolidation and there is no point to which the attention of Parliament should be drawn.
I commend the Bill to the House as a useful measure which re-enacts in a readily accessible and clearly set out form a considerable number of provisions from six separate and, for the most part, heavily amended statutes. I am confident that it will be useful to all those involved in Scotland in the administration and control of the slaughter of animals.
§ Mr. Harry Ewing (Stirling, Falkirk and Grangemouth)After deep and careful thought, I should tell the Solicitor-General for Scotland that the Opposition do not intend to divide the House on this measure. We thought, as an Opposition, that we should place on record the view that there is no more suitable Government than the present Government to consolidate legislation dealing with knackers' yard; and there is no more suitable Minister than the present Solicitor-General for Scotland to introduce consolidation legislation dealing with knackers' yards.
Without any reservation whatsoever, the Opposition give this consolidation measure a welcome.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read a Second time.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Mr. MacGregor.]
618§ 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.