§ Order for Second Reading read.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Michael Havers)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
This is a pure consolidation Bill, which comprises six complete Acts and numerous amending provisions. I will not list all the enactments involved, but those hon. Members interested will find a complete list set out in the table of derivations, running to some eight closely printed pages. The Bill contains most of the statute law as to the preparation, advertising and sale of food for human consumption.
The Bill has been considered by the Joint Committee, which is satisfied that the Bill as amended is pure consolidation, and will represent the existing law, on the assumption that the Public Health (Control of Disease) Bill, also at present before the House, receives the Royal Assent first.
Although the House is concerned only with the Second Reading today, I should mention that there will be one technical amendment to be moved in Committee, but this will not alter the character of the Bill as a strict consolidation measure.
§ Read a Second time.
§ Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House. —[Mr. Major.]
§ Committee upon Monday next.