HL Deb 22 July 1971 vol 322 cc1124-5

3.33 p.m.

EARL ST. ALDWYN

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Jellicoe, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a.—(Earl St. Aldwyn.)

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, since the Question has been put and this Bill is the particular baby of the Lord Privy Seal I am rather sorry that he was not able to see it through to its final stage. No doubt he was engaged in looking up precedents on Private Notice Questions, but I am sure the House would not deny him the opportunity if he wished to say something, although I think the Bill is generally accepted; and as the begetter of it, if not the actual father, I certainly commend the Bill to your Lordships' House.

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, I am most grateful to the noble Lord for giving me the opportunity to admit a certain paternity in this matter. I also gratefully acknowledge the fact that the noble Lord, Lord Shackleton, is the grandfather—or perhaps the stepfather or the uncle. I am not quite certain what his legitimate relationship is.

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, I am the begetter; the noble Earl is the stepfather.

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, all I would say about this particular baby of mine is that I think he or she is not a bad baby. This Bill has been generally welcomed by your Lordships' House. Like all babies it is not perfect, and perhaps in future years there will be an even better Pensions (Increase) Bill; but I have been very proud to be able to play some part in the preparation and the carrying through of this Bill into legislation, and I am glad to acknowledge the fact that to a large extent this is a bi-partisan measure.

On Question, Bill read 3a, and passed.