§ 2.50 p.m.
§ The LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord Elwyn-Jones)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. It is a straightforward measure of consolidation and is the first consolidation of legislation on this subject ever undertaken. Your Lordships will observe that the earliest of these Statutes to be repealed and consolidated is the Fatal Accidents Act 1846, commonly known as Lord Campbell's Act. It was that Act, your Lordships will recall, which first introduced into English Law the principle that the dependants of a deceased person could bring an action for damages for the loss of dependency if the death was caused by the negligence of another. The other enactments consolidated are listed in the Schedules to the Bill. If your Lordships approve it, this Bill will be referred to the Joint Committee in the usual way. My Lords, I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.