§ 2.56 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 another consolidation measure. The principal enactments consolidated by the Bill are the Land Drainage Acts of 1930 and 1961, Part IV of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, Part V of the Agriculture Act 1970, a number of short Acts concerned with drainage rates and certain provisions of the Water Act 1973. It will also consolidate the Land Drainage (Amendment) Bill which is now awaiting Royal Assent. Other enactments consolidated are set out in Schedule 8 to the Bill. Copies of the notes on clauses and Table of Destinations for the Bill have been placed in the Library in case any of your 126 Lordships may wish to peruse this fascinating material. If your Lordships approve, the 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 referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.