§ 3.2 p.m.
§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES (THE EARL OF HUNTINGDON)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. As your Lordships will see, this is a measure to consolidate the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act, 1924, with the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act of 1947 and the Holidays With Pay Act, 1938, so far as that Act relates to agricultural workers in England and Wales. During the passage of the Agricultural Wages (Regulation) Act last year, His Majesty's Government recognised the need for a consolidating Bill, and the Minister expressed the hope that such a Bill could be introduced this Session. I am pleased that it has been found possible to introduce this measure, which, I might point out, does not alter the existing law. There will be a separate Bill for Scotland I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Earl of Huntingdon.)
§ EARL DE LA WARRMy Lords, I should like to congratulate the noble Earl on fulfilling his undertaking, and to assure him that the Bill is most welcome.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.