§ The LORD CHANCELLOR (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)My Lords, this is a consolidation Bill. It is the result of a recommendation of the Law Commission. It seeks to consolidate the numerous enactments relating to the reserve and auxiliary forces. I note that the earliest of these is dated 1662, so the consolidation is quite a good thing. In order to produce a satisfactory consolidation, it has been found necessary to make the amendment as to the application to the Isle of Man, and that is recommended in the appendix to the Law Commission's report. The Isle of Man authorities, I am informed, are in agreement with the recommendation. The Bill will in due course go to the Committee in the ordinary way if the House gives it a Second Reading. I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
§ 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.