HC Deb 15 May 1981 vol 4 c1077

Order for Second Reading read.

2.29 pm
Mr. Robin Maxwell-Hyslop (Tiverton)

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Second time.

The purpose of the Bill will have been made all the more clear because many hon. Members will have received through the post yesterday a Bill consisting of more than 60 clauses and one schedule with which we are threatened by the Canadian Government. The Bill demonstrates how the transfer of function to the Canadian Parliament from the British Parliament by amending the British North America Act 1867 can be achieved simply in a Bill containing one clause.

The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Mr. Nicholas Ridley)

I must congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Tiverton (Mr. Maxwell-Hyslop) on his good fortune in having so much time——

It being half past Two o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed on Friday 19 June.