§ 3.7 p.m.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.
Your Lordships may recognise this Bill and the two which follow it on the Order Paper from last Session as those which, although considered by your Lordships and the Joint Committee on Consolidation Bills, were not able to secure passage through the other place. It is with the approval of both Houses that the requirement to go back before the Joint Committee has been dispensed with for these three consolidations which I am bringing again before your Lordships this afternoon. I am sure your Lordships will agree that the expeditious passage of these Bills is highly desirable. I am glad, once again, to have the opportunity of expressing my appreciation, and that of your Lordships' House, for this further contribution by the Law Commission and the parliamentary draftsmen and draftswomen at tidying up the contents of the statute books. I commend the Bill to your Lordships.
Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time. —(The Lord Chancellor.)
On Question, Bill read a second time, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.