§ 3.25 p.m.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Hailsham of Saint Marylebone)My Lords, I rise to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
This Bill seeks to consolidate the Cinematograph Acts 1909 to 1982 and certain related enactments. It contains an amendment giving effect to the recommendation of the Law Commission in their report on the Bill, which was laid before this House on 17th January. The legislation about the licensing of cinemas by local authorities has been substantially amended since 1909: it is now in need of consolidation. If your Lordships give this Bill a Second Reading, it will be referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, would it be permissible for me to ask the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor a question on the subject of this Bill?
§ Lord DenhamYes, my Lords.
§ Lord Jenkins of PutneyMy Lords, I am most grateful. Will the noble and learned Lord be good enough to say why it is that the Government have decided to consolidate cinema legislation at this time having regard to the fact that they have also produced a White Paper on film policy? One would have thought, perhaps, that the two were not unrelated to each other and that it might have been desirable to defer consolidation until any legislation arising from the film policy White Paper had been decided. On the other hand, it may be that the reason is that the Government wish to clarify the existing legislation before proceeding to the possibility of new legislation. Will the noble and learned Lord be so kind as to clarify the position?
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I think that the second of the two alternatives put by the noble Lord is probably the right one. I shall write to him if I am wrong.
§ On Question, Bill read a second time, and referred to the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills.