§ House in Committee; Bill reported without amendment; Report received; then, Standing Order No. 43 having been suspended (pursuant to Resolution), Bill read 3a.
§ 5.6 p.m.
§ Baroness PHILLIPSMy Lords, I beg to move that the Bill do now pass. In moving this Motion, having been charged by my Front Bench not to make a speech, I must take this opportunity to thank noble Lords who have not tabled any Amendments in response to an appeal not do do so. Bearing in mind that I suggested that the Bill would not go through if Amendments were tabled, noble Lords have not tabled any, and I am greatly appreciative of that. I wish also to pay tribute to the Government, who have made it possible for the Bill to go through.
The Bill will make further provision with respect to the welfare of chronically sick and disabled persons in Northern Ireland, and while I agree with the noble Lord, Lord Sandys, that there are too many words like "practicable" and "reasonable" in the Bill for some of us to be happy, nevertheless we accept that the measure will bring great comfort and succour to people in Northern Ireland.
985 As we have had such a marvellous spate of oratory, I will only say that I am reminded of the lady who said that she ate with nice people, worked with nice people, and hoped she would have the opportunity of sleeping with nice people. My Lords, I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(Baroness Phillips.)
§ Lord SANDYSMy Lords, I feel I must respond to the remarks of the noble Baroness, Lady Phillips—
§ Lord SANDYS—and congratulate her on piloting the Bill through with such skill and success. We have observed the remarks she made on Second Reading and accordingly have not tabled any Amendments, observing the caution that the Bill would not otherwise have reached the Statute Book. This is a shorter Bill than the one which applied to other parts of the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, we have had eight years in which to ensure that the practicalities of the Bill will prove satisfactory and we therefore believe that this measure will, as she said, give succour to people in Northern Ireland.
§ The MINISTER of STATE, NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE (Lord Melchett)My Lords, I wish briefly to thank the noble Lord, Lord Sandys, and without following the interesting remarks of my noble friend Lady Phillips, simply assure noble Lords that my Department in Northern Ireland will be anxiously waiting to implement the various provisions of the Bill. It will be widely welcomed by people in Northern Ireland, particularly the handicapped, and on their behalf I say "Thank you" to your Lordships for giving it such a speedy passage.
§ On Question, Bill passed.