§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ 2.40 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD DILHORNE)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. I do not think your Lordships will expect me to take up much time in dealing with the contents of this Bill, which I venture to suggest are sufficiently set out in the Explanatory Memorandum attached to the Bill. I would hope, however, that 397 your Lordships would allow me to say just this. I understood that the noble Lord, Lord Silkin, was going to say a word or two on the Second Reading of this measure. I am sorry to hear, as I am sure all your Lordships will be, that he has been taken ill with a heart attack. I am sure your Lordships join with me in hoping that he makes a speedy and complete recovery.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a. (The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.