THE EARL OF ONSLOWMy Lords, I desire to ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce bills to consolidate the existing enactments relating to National Health Insurance, Housing and other legislation for which the Ministry of Health is responsible. At the end of last Session I introduced a National Health Consolidation Bill which was referred to Lord Muir Mackenzie's Consolidation Committee. It was considered by that Committee, but, of course, lapsed with the Dissolution. When introducing the Housing Bill last year I pointed out that it was the intention of the Government then to introduce legislation consolidating the enactments with regard to housing and other matters dealt with by the Ministry of Health. I ask whether it is the intention of the present Government to carry out a similar policy.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, in reply to the noble Earl I have to say that we are quite at one with him; but the Consolidation Committee is so loaded up with business that I am not able to intimate how soon it will be possible to proceed with this matter.
§ House adjourned at twenty minutes before six o'clock.