§ 9.1 p.m.
§ Lord ELTONMy Lords, this order will strengthen control of hygiene in food premises by bringing legislation in Northern Ireland into line with that in force in the rest of the United Kingdom. It will close a potential loophole in the Food and Drugs (Northern Ireland) Act 1274 1958. At the moment persons convicted of food hygiene offences may, on the application of a district council, be disqualified by the courts from using premises for the purposes of a food business. A court order can be circumvented and this will prevent it, but unless noble Lords wish to pursue the matter in greater detail, when I shall be happy to answer questions, I simply beg to move.
§ Moved, That the draft order laid before the House on 22nd November, be approved.—(Lord Elton.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.