HL Deb 18 February 1993 vol 542 cc1249-50
The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a second time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time.—(The Earl of Caithness.)

Lord Bruce of Donington

My Lords, I rise to place on record the fact that this House has the right, when it so desires, to reverse the convention by virtue of which discussion of the Bill is not customary in your Lordships' House.

Lord Boyd-Carpenter

My Lords, will my noble friend tell the House whether the Procedure Committee, as promised, has started to reconsider its decision on that matter?

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe

My Lords, although the two clauses call for a major speech, I shall limit my remarks to supporting my noble friend Lord Bruce of Donington.

The Earl of Caithness

My Lords, the House will recall that only recently it approved the Procedure Committee's recommendations. Part of the discussion on the review was that the Procedure Committee would look again at this question. The House agreed to that suggestion. Pending the re-examination, which was perhaps to obey the Companion, I can assure my noble friend that the Select Committee will consider the matter. I commend the Bill to your Lordships.

On Question, Bill read a second time; Committee negatived.

Then, Standing Order No. 44 having been dispensed with (pursuant to Resolution of 17th February), Bill read a third time, and passed.