§ 2.35 p.m.
THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF DROGHEDA)My Lords, in moving the Motion which stands in my name I would remind the House that in July, 1954, a Joint Committee was set up by the two Houses:
To consider what alterations, if any, are desirable in the practice and the Standing Orders of the two Houses relating to private legislation, having special regard to the desirability of lessening the expense at present incurred.The present Motion arises from the discussions and recommendations of the Joint Committee, which found that a considerable economy would be effected if the evidence given before Select Committees were duplicated instead of printed. The effect of the alteration in the Standing Orders, if your Lordships agree to this Motion, will be that, as a general rule, the evidence given before Select Committees of the House will in future be duplicated, instead of printed, though printing may be allowed if the Parties so desire. I understand that a similar Motion is being moved by my right honourable friend the Chairman of Ways and Means in another place this afternoon. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the following Amendments be made to the Standing Orders relating to Private Bills:—
§ In Standing Order No. 110, paragraph (3) (Minutes of Evidence taken before a Committee on an opposed Private Bill)—
§ Leave out ("printed") and insert ("duplicated").
§ Leave out ("in accordance with such directions as may be given by the Chairman of Committees").
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At end insert—
("Provided that the minutes may be printed instead of duplicated if the Chairman of Committees has given authority for printing, on an application made to him by the promoters of the Bill not less than six clear days before the first meeting of the Committee.")—(The Earl of Drogheda.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to: the said Standing Order amended accordingly.