§ THE LORD CHANCELLOR (LORD HAILSHAM OF SAINT MARYLEBONE)My Lords, I rise to move that this Bill be now read a second time. It is a pure consolidation Bill which consolidates the enactments relating to costs in Criminal Cases. It consolidates what remains of the Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1952, the relevant provisions of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968, and the Courts Act 1971, and certain minor amending provisions. The result is that the scope of the Bill is similar to the original scope of the 1952 Act. This Bill will, of course, go to the Joint Committee, who will examine it with their usual thoroughness; and I beg to move that it now be read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.