§ 3.2 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD GARDINER)My Lords, I have it in command from Her Majesty the Queen to 982 acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Family Law Reform Bill, has consented to place her interest, so far as it is concerned on behalf of the Crown and the Duchy of Cornwall, at the disposal of Parliament for the purposes of the Bill. Her Majesty's consent was not given to the Bill in this House because It was not necessary. It has, however, been rendered necessary by certain of the Commons Amendments, which is why I now signify it to your Lordships at this rather unusual stage.
My Lords, I beg to move that the Commons Amendments be now considered. I think that only the first Amendment is in any way controversial; the rest are rather technical, although I shall have to explain them. If the House approves, I think I am able to take the last seven of the 18 Amendments together.
§ Moved, That the Commons Amendments be now considered.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.