HL Deb 31 July 1968 vol 296 cc351-2

4.42 p.m.

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I have it in command from Her Majesty the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Bill, has consented to place Her interest, so far as it is concerned on behalf of the Crown, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill.

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR SCOTLAND (LORD HUGHES)

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a.—(Lord Hughes.)

On Question, Bill read 3a, with the Amendments.

Clause 8 [Rule requiring corroboration not to apply in certain civil proceedings]:

LORD HUGHES moved Amendment No. 1:

Page 6, line 8, at beginning insert— ("() This section applies to any action of damages where the damages claimed consist of, or include, damages or solatium in respect of personal injuries (including any disease, and any impairment of physical or mental condition) sustained by the pursuer or any other person.")

The noble Lord said: My Lords, it will be remembered that Clause 8 originally applied to most civil actions, but in Committee, on the Motion of the noble and learned Lords, Lord Reid and Lord Guest, the clause was restricted "to actions of damages for personal injury". In past legislation it has been thought desirable to have a rather tighter definition than just those words, and it appears desirable in this case also. My right honourable friend the Lord Advocate has spoken to the noble and learned Lords, Lord Reid and Lord Guest, about this. I am glad to be able to assure your Lordships that they agree both with the need to tighten up the definition, and with the Amendments which I now put before your Lordships. I beg to move.

LORD DRUMALBYN

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friends I should like simply to say that we welcome this Amendment.

On Question, Amendment agreed to.

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I beg to move Amendment No. 2.

Amendment moved— Page 6, line 9, leave out (action of damages for personal injury") and insert ("proceedings").—(Lord Hughes.)

On Question, Amendment agreed to.

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I beg to move Amendment No. 3.

Amendment moved— Page 6, line 12, after ("effect") insert ("in relation to any action to which this section applies").—(Lord Hughes.)

On Question, Amendment agreed to.

LORD HUGHES

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill do now pass.

Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(Lord Hughes.)

On Question, Bill passed, and returned to the Commons.