§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)My Lords, I beg to introduce a Bill to make provision with respect to divorce and separation; legal aid in connection with mediation in disputes relating to family matters; proceedings in cases where marriages have broken down; rights of occupation of certain domestic premises; prevention of molestation; the inclusion in certain orders under the Children Act 1989 of provisions about the occupation of a dwelling-house; the transfer of tenancies between spouses and persons who have lived together as husband and wife; and for connected purposes. I beg to move that this Bill be now read a first time.
Moved, That the Bill be now read a first time.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Baroness DavidMy Lords, perhaps the noble and learned Lord will tell the House when the Bill will be available to us. Normally such Bills are available in the afternoon after the First Reading has been moved. But I understand that the Bill will not be available this afternoon.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, my understanding is that the Bill will be available in accordance with the usual rules. I have no reason to believe otherwise. If I find to the contrary, I shall certainly make inquiries as to why that should have happened. My understanding is that the Bill is ready and should be available in accordance with the ordinary system.
On Question, Bill read a first time, and to be printed.