§ 5.23 p.m.
§ Lord MELCHETT rose to move, That the draft Fatal Accidents (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, laid before the House on 24th May, be approved. The noble Lord said: My Lords, the purpose of this order is to consolidate the law in Northern Ireland which gives the dependants of a person whose death is caused by the wrongful act, neglect or default of another, the right to recover damages. The order also makes one amendment to the existing legislation which would have the effect of bringing the law in Northern Ireland into line with the law in England and Wales.
§ The order largely consolidates the Fatal Accidents Acts of 1846 and 1864, and the Fatal Accidents Act (Northern Ireland) 1959. The one amendment which this order contains would prevent a widow's prospects of remarriage from reducing her damages. The law was changed in this respect for England and Wales in 1971 by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, and Article 5(3) of this order will make the change for Northern Ireland. My Lords, I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the draft Fatal Accidents (Northern Ireland) Order 1977, laid before the House on 24th May, be approved.—(Lord Melchett.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.