HL Deb 30 October 1969 vol 305 cc122-3
LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I beg leave to introduce a Bill to make provision with respect to the powers of the House of Lords in relation to those of the House of Commons and as regards Statutory Instruments and to amend the Parliament Act 1911 and to repeal the Parliament Act 1949. I beg to move that this Bill be now read a first time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 1a. —(Lord Mitchison.)

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, before the Question is put, may I say that I realise that it is improper to ask a question on the First Reading of a Bill. However, since these matters are not to be printed, I should like to be given some information. The noble Lord has not told us the name of the Bill—

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, may I interrupt the noble Lord? I know it is very tempting. when my noble friend introduces three Bills, some of which are not wholly unfamiliar to us, to start raising matters; but it really is a most striking departure from the practice of your Lordships' House of never saying anything on First Reading. I hope that I shall have the support of the House, tempting though the situation may be, in discouraging the noble Lord from asking questions at this moment. At least he will have time, because I think it is unlikely that there will be much debate on the subject in the near future. I appeal to the noble Lord, because we guard our own responsibilities in this matter.

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, I do not want to debate the Bills but to ask the name of the Bills. The noble Lord has not told us.

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I am told that it is not the practice to give the Short Title but only to do what I did—to read out the Long Title.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD GARDINER)

My Lords, the Question is, That the Bill be now read a first time.

SEVERAL NOBLE LORDS: Not Content.

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, I do not know whether it is the effect of the printers' strike, but I hope we shall stick to our usual practice and not, on the spur of the moment and in the excitement of my noble friend's oratory, actually vote on a First Reading.

LORD CARRINGTON

My Lords, if I may, I should like to support the noble Lord the Leader of the House on this point. Let us keep a sense of proportion. It really does not matter what the noble Lord, Lord Mitchison, does.

On Question, Bill read 1a, and to be printed.