§ 2.58 p.m.
The Lord Privy Seal (Viscount Cranborne)My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.
It may be of some assistance to your Lordships if I emphasise that the purpose of this Motion is to enable the House to take the Second Reading and the remaining stages of the Northern Ireland (Remission of Sentences) Bill on Thursday next. The Bill provides for the release on licence of prisoners in Northern Ireland to whom Section 14 of the Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1991 applies, and fulfils an intention announced by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in a speech on 25th August. I understand that the purpose of the Bill has the support of all parties and that the intention to take the Second Reading and remaining stages on one day has the support of the usual channels.
Your Lordships may feel that the Bill is not in need of amendment. However, if your Lordships wish to take amendments this Motion does not preclude having a separate Committee stage after the Second Reading debate, and the Public Bill Office will exceptionally accept amendments in advance of Second Reading.
§ Moved, That, if the Northern Ireland (Remission of Sentences) Bill is brought from the Commons, Standing Order 44 (No two stages of a Bill to be taken on one day) be dispensed with to enable the Bill to be taken through its remaining stages on Thursday, 2nd November.—(Viscount Cranborne.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.