THE EARL OF CAMPERDOWNMy Lords, a few days ago I made a Motion with regard to the practice which is known as legislation by reference, and the Lord Chancellor was good enough to say he agreed with the Motion in a general way, and that he would submit the-matter to the Cabinet so that they could consider what is the proper way to deal with this practice. I wish to put the Question standing in my name on the Paper:—"To ask the Lord Chancellor 1427 with reference to the Motion: 'That a Select Committee be appointed to inquire "whether means cannot be devised, either in the way of a detailed Memorandum or otherwise, for conveying to the House in plain language the effect of proposed legislation when reference is made in Government Bills to Acts and sections of Acts of Parliament without explanation," whether His Majesty's Government have taken the matter into consideration.'"
THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I was under the impression that I had already stated our decision. We propose to appoint a Joint Committee of the two Houses to report on the drafting of Bills, and whether any improvement should be adopted in relation thereto.