HL Deb 21 June 1973 vol 343 cc1459-60
LORD GARDINER

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are facilitating the further progress of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Bill.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS)

My Lords, I understand that the Second Reading of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Bill has been ordered for Friday, July 20, in another place. I do not think it would be appropriate for me to speculate about progress, either then or thereafter.

LORD GARDINER

My Lords, while formally thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask for a straight answer to a straight question, which is this. Is it not a fact that the only person who, Friday after Friday, is objecting to the Second Reading of this Bill is a Government Whip?

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

I do not know, my Lords.

LORD SHEPHERD

Is that a straight answer?

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

As a matter of fact, my Lords, I do not know, first, whether anybody has objected; and, secondly, who it may have been.

LORD ARCHIBALD

Can the noble Viscount find out?

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

I shall try, my Lords.

LORD GARDINER

My Lords, will the noble Viscount be kind enough to let me know when he has ascertained?

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

Yes, my Lords, if I succeed.

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