The Senior Deputy Speaker (Lord Gardiner of Kimble)

My Lords, the first report of the Procedure and Privileges Committee recommends an adjustment to the procedures for Special Public Bill Committees considering Law Commission Bills. The adjustment would be to increase the maximum time available to such a committee for evidence-taking from a 28-day period to a 40-day period. The committee recommends this change following a request from the noble and learned Lord, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, who chaired the two most recent Special Public Bill Committees on Law Commission Bills. The noble and learned Lord suggested that increasing the maximum time available for evidence-taking to 40 days would allow a committee the flexibility to offer alternative dates to witnesses should the initial invitation prove impractical. This would allow those with an interest in the Bill a better opportunity to submit evidence. The committee would, as now, be able to conclude the evidence-taking process earlier should it wish. The Procedure and Privileges Committee supports the noble and learned Lord’s proposal, which would ensure that the process is as smooth as possible, and that Law Commission Bills continue to receive thorough and effective scrutiny. I beg to move.