§ 3.9 p.m.
§ Read a third time.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I beg to move that this Bill do now pass.
1171 Moved, that the Bill do now pass.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Lord MishconMy Lords, it would not be entirely reckless for me to say that this is possibly the last consolidation Bill that will be before your Lordships' House in this Parliament. Having said that, I wonder whether your Lordships agree that this is a correct moment to think about those who are responsible for consolidation legislation, a most important evolution in our legislative life.
Among those who undoubtedly deserve the House's admiration and appreciation is the Joint Committee of this House and another place presided over with distinction by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle. Those who during this Session of Parliament have chaired the committee, as well as its members, also deserve our gratitude.
The Law Commission is an eternal memorial to Lord Gardiner, a distinguished leader and Lord Chancellor, as I am sure the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mackay will agree. It is his monument, still fresh in our memories, which is so useful in the work of Parliament.
The parliamentary draftsmen are looked upon with respect but, nevertheless, from time to time they evoke criticism from your Lordships. With these consolidation measures they deserve our great thanks. I conclude by saying that those who promote the consolidation legislation—and I refer particularly to the noble and learned Lord who sits on the Woolsack —deserve our appreciation and thanks. The whole business of consolidation makes life for the practitioner and the intelligent member of the public examining our legislation much easier, and our statute book much tidier.
§ Lord Campbell of AllowayMy Lords, perhaps I may add a word of tribute from these Back-Benches to the work of the consolidation Joint Committee of your Lordships' House and another place. I pay tribute also to the memory of Lord Gardiner, who led me on many occasions, as a friend and who gave me Silk.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Mishcon, for his comments, and to my noble friend Lord Campbell of Alloway for what he said about me. My main thanks go to the Law Commission whose work we have endeavoured to press forward, to the draftsmen who work for them and to the Joint Committee of both Houses. They carry out the work with great care. I thank in particular those who have presided over the work of the Joint Committee.
I also join in the tribute to Lord Gardiner, whose work initiated the Law Commission both in England and in Scotland. It is to these commissions that the important work has been committed; they carry it out faithfully and assiduously. It is our privilege and pleasure to pass the Bill. In the meantime, I commend the Motion that the Bill be read a third time.
On Question, Bill read a third time.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I beg to move that the Bill do now pass.
Moved, That the Bill do now pass.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
On Question, Bill passed, and sent to the Commons.