HL Deb 29 June 1982 vol 432 cc183-4

31 Schedule 7, page 80, line 13, insert in margin "[Article 5(1)]".

32 Schedule 7, page 80, line 15, insert in margin "[Article 5(3)]".

33 Schedule 7, page 80, line 17, insert in margin "[Article 5(4)]".

34 Schedule 7, page 80, line 21, insert in margin "[Article 5(2)]".

Lord Mackay of Clashfern

My Lords, I should like to speak to Amendments Nos. 31 to 34, which I would hope to be able to move en bloc, and also to Amendments Nos. 36 to 44.

This is a rather long series of very minor drafting amendments. Against those rules in Schedule 7 which derive, to whatever extent, from provisions of the 1968 convention, there appear marginal notes referring in each case to the relevant provision of the convention. It is thought that this information will be useful to users of the legislation, particularly in view of the requirement in Clause 19(6) that in determining any question as to the meaning or effect of any provision in the schedule which is derived to any extent from the 1968 convention regard shall be had to any relevant principles laid down by the European Court in connection with the convention. it has been suggested to us that it would be helpful if these marginal notes gave more precise references to the particular provisions of the convention, so that, for example, the side note to rule 2 of Schedule 7 referred to article 5(1), article 5(2), et cetera of the convention, as appropriate. We agree that this would be useful and that is what this rather long string of small amendments is directed to.

I think it would be appropriate if this group of amendments, Nos. 31 to 34, were taken en bloc, and doing so will relieve the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor from having, to put the Question more often than necessary. I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 31 to 34, inclusive.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(Lord Mackay of Clashfern.)

Lord Mishcon

My Lords, I agree with the noble and learned Lord the Lord Advocate on both his points, first of all in regard to the common sense of moving these amendments together, but really more seriously in regard to helpfulness of the sidenotes to which he referred. These will be very useful to practitioners. I am personally most grateful, and I am sure that most practitioners are, that there will be this reference to the convention which will make it rather snore easy to deal with the various clauses of the Bill in relation to the convention.

On Question, Motion agreed to.