HL Deb 16 July 1999 vol 604 cc648-50
Lord Davies of Oldham

My Lords, I understand that no amendments have been set down to this Bill and that no noble Lord has indicated a wish to move a manuscript amendment or to speak in Committee. Therefore, unless any noble Lord objects, I beg to move that the order of commitment be discharged.

Moved, That the order of commitment be discharged.—(Lord Davies of Oldham.)

Lord Annan

My Lords, on Second Reading I urged the Government to have the courage to impose a ban on driving and speaking at the same time with a hand-held telephone. As an example of the courage needed, I cited the case of Mrs Barbara Castle, as she then was, and the legislation that she introduced on seat belts. I subsequently received a letter from the noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Croy, who, with his customary courtesy, said that it was he who, in the 1980s, had been responsible for the Bill that enforced the wearing of seat belts.

I am afraid that I was held up by traffic jams and did not have time to check as I should have done before I came into the Chamber. Of course, the courageous act of the noble Baroness, Lady Castle, was the introduction of the breathalyser in 1967, which required even more courage than enforcing the wearing of seat belts. I apologise to the noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Croy, and reiterate my admiration for the noble Baroness, Lady Castle.

The Earl of Halsbury

My Lords, I do not know whether it is in order for me to describe what I met on my way here this morning. I saw a lady talking into a telephone in her right hand, while with her left hand—

Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton

My Lords, I wonder whether I might explain that if noble Lords wish to speak, the House will have to go into Committee.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at twenty-four minutes past midday.