§ 2.57 p.m.
§ THE LORD BISHOP OF ST. EDMUNDSBURY AND IPSWICH rose to move to resolve, That in accordance with the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act, 1919, this House do direct that the Baptismal Registers Measure, 1961, be presented to Her Majesty for the Royal Assent. The right reverend Prelate said: My Lords, I beg to move the Motion which stands in my name. I am sure that your Lordships would not wish me to enter into a long explanation of the purpose of this Measure, which is highly technical in character. Briefly, its object is to bring the statutory requirements with regard to the registration of baptisms into line with those relating to the entry of the birth of certain classes of persons in the civil registers of births. It follows logically upon the 60 Legitimacy Act of 1959, and certain of its provisions are also desirable in cases of adoption. Throughout its passage in the Assembly, the Measure encountered no opposition: no Amendments were moved or made; and at no stage was there a Division. I think, therefore, that I can clearly claim that the objects which it sets out to achieve are non-controversial, and I hope that your Lordships will be willing to accept the Motion. I beg to move.
§ Moved to resolve, That in accordance with the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act, 1919, this House do direct that the Baptismal Registers Measure, 1961, be presented to Her Majesty for the Royal Assent.—(The Lord Bishop of St. Edmundsbury and Ipswich.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.