§ 2.59 p.m.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (LORD HUGHES)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. The Bill is a purely consolidation measure, and applies almost exclusively to Scotland. The Bill consolidates a number of enactments relating to criminal procedure in Scotland. Consolidation of the legislation in this field is long overdue. The provisions on criminal procedure which are consolidated in this Bill are contained in no fewer than 62 Acts and Acts of Adjournal extending as far back as 1587. The Bill repeals and re-enacts in one Statute all or part of these Acts and the consolidation will be of great benefit to the courts and the practitioners of law in the criminal process in Scotland.
If the House gives the Bill a Second Reading, it will be referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills, which will consider it and in due course make a report to the House. There is no doubt that this is a valuable tidying up of a very important body of legislation, and as such will be welcomed by all concerned with the administration of justice. As I said, it consolidates measures going back 959 for nearly 400 years, so no one can accuse us of having rushed into this with undue haste. I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Hughes.)
§ LORD MOWBRAY AND STOURTONMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord, Lord Hughes, for having so neatly introduced a Bill of 464 clauses and nine Schedules in a couple of minutes or less. I think we are all grateful to him.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a and referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.