WESTM NS TER HAUL
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IN normal circumstances, the thought of giving a Second Reading to a 357 pagelong Bill at 1.40 in the morning would have even the most time-hardened MP groaning in despair.
After all, the Second Reading is the main debate, the only time when all sides have the chance to expound their views at length in the Chamber. The thing.could go on for hour upon hour.
But when the Highways Bill came up there were no qualms and no protests.
For, as Solicitor-General Sir Ian Percival explained, this was a Consolidation Bill. And, as even the newest MP probably knows by now, measures of that type do not have to go through the rigmarole of ordinary pieces of legislation.
As its name implies, a Consolidation Bill brings together in one glorious whole all the snippets of law relating to a particular subject. In this case it was anything to do with highways which has become law over the last 21 years — and that meant 18 Acts, ranging from the Highways Act of 1959, via the Countryside Act of 1968, to the Criminal Law Act, 1977.
And just to make life a little more complicated for those who had to deal with it all, certain changes were made to give effect to recommendations of the Law Commission.
Those who had to deal with it — and who received a well-deserved tribute from Sir Ian — were the draftsmen, Mr Rippengal and Miss Christie (no "draftspersonnonsense from him) and the committee of Lords and Commoners who had considered at length the work done by that estimable pair.
The result of all their work was what Sir Ian called a monster — 348 clauses and 25 schedules — but it was dealt with in three minutes flat.
Only one other person had anything to say. Labour's transport spokesman Albert Booth was worried when the remaining stages would be considered.
Wonder why? If he had waded through that massive document and discovered a snag, then lesser mortals can only admire his determination and devotion to duty.
Well, eventually any problems will get sorted out, the Bill will become an Act and — to quote Sir Ian again — the users of the statute book will have the immeasurable benefit of the continuing process of consolidation.
Provided they can find the necessary £7.50.