§ The LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.
§ Moved, That the Bill he now read 3a. —(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Lord BLEASEMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor for progressing this consolidating measure. We have noted the tenth report of the Joint Committee on Consolidated Bills which considered this particular Bill. I also wish to compliment all concerned with this consolidating measure and warmly to welcome the considerable amount of work which has been undertaken to repeal the obsolete, spent, unnecessary and superseded legislation which, according to my count, covers 195 separate Acts, dating back as far as the Gaming Act 1738. We warmly welcome and support the legislation now before us.
§ The LORD CHANCELLORMy Lords, I am deeply grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Blease, for what he has said. Northern Irish law is in a very complicated state, and I am glad to do what I can to assist in simplifying it.
§ On Question, Bill read 3a, and passed, and sent to the Commons.