HL Deb 16 November 1976 vol 377 cc1271-2

[No. 77.]

In the Title, line 4, leave out 'ports' and insert 'places'.

Baroness STEDMAN

My Lords, I spoke to this Amendment when speaking to Amendment No. 7. This is the final Amendment to this Bill, which has had a chequered career over several years, so may I take this opportunity of giving my thanks to all noble Lords who have taken part, and who have helped us, from all sides of the House. I particularly regret that my noble friend Lord Wynne-Jones is not able to be with us tonight to see this Bill actually go forward on to the Statute Book. Officially, I should like to pay tribute to his persistence and long fight to make this Bill part of our British law. I should also like to express my thanks to all the voluntary organisations and scientific authorities for their help and co-operation. I thank noble Lords opposite for their support tonight in getting this Bill through quickly. I now revert to what I am supposed to be doing, and I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendment No 77.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(Baroness Stedman.)

Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTON

My Lords, I, too, would like to echo the words of the noble Baroness, Lady Stedman, in regretting that the noble Lord, Lord Wynne-Jones, is not able to be here tonight. The noble Lord has persevered not only on this Bill, but on previous Bills which have been lost through the various ups and downs of the Parliamentary timetable. The Government have been criticised by various people, including some noble Lords on my side of the House, for being slow in getting this Bill moving. The World Convention demanded that if we were to have an influence and a vote, we had to do it by a certain time. However, at the end of the day, the Government have met the timetable and I congratulate them. We have all done a good job.