§ 6.28 p.m.
§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF ST. MARYLEBONE)My Lords, I rise to move the first Motion standing in my name. I can say very little about this one, although I may have to make a slightly longer speech in respect of the second, and I rather trust that the Scottish Motion which is associated with each, perhaps with the consent of the House and to its greater convenience, may be dealt with at the same time, because so far as I know they are identical, mutatis mutandis.
This particular Statutory Instrument, the Legal Aid (Extension Proceedings) Regulations 1971, simply gives effect to my undertaking to the House at the request of the noble Lord, Lord Diamond, on May 27 last (column 1318 of the 885 OFFICIAL REPORT) to apply legal aid to proceedings before the Industrial Court. There are many controversial matters in the Industrial Relations Act, in relation both to the Industrial Court and to other provisions, but I think that this promise of mine did not meet with any kind of controversy. Therefore, unless there is some particular aspect of it that I can deal with at the request of noble Lords, I will just: move it with those words, I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Legal Aid (Extension of Proceedings) Regulations 1971 be approved.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.