§ 3.8 p.m.
§ The LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time. It would consolidate certain provisions of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1973 and related Acts. The few provisions of the 1973 Act which are not consolidated by the Bill, such as Section 9 dealing with remand homes and training schools, are not temporary in their duration, nor are they directly linked to the security situation in Northern Ireland.
The Government regret the necessity for emergency legislation in Northern Ireland. It is not their intention by introducing this Bill to prolong the emergency powers for one moment longer than required. The temporary provisions in the Bill are exactly the same as those in the existing legislation, as are the procedures for renewing and suspending them. In these, as in all other respects, the present law is not changed by the Bill.
The 1973 Act has now been amended by no less than 14 different enactments when the renewal orders are included. The consolidation of this legislation is, therefore, timely and appropriate. It will enable individuals, the courts, and everyone concerned, to ascertain from a single Act, instead of scattered enactments, exactly what the law is. Given that the legislation is, unfortunately, necessary, it should, I think—and I believe your Lordships will be disposed to agree with this—be set out in as clear and as compact a form as possible. I believe that this Bill meets those requirements. Accordingly 465 on behalf of the Government, I welcome this consolidation by the Law Commission and have pleasure in commending it to the House. If it is read a second time the Bill will be examined by the Joint Select Committee under the chairmanship of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Russell of Killowen, in the usual way. 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.