My Lords, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read a second time.— (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish.)

My Lords, yesterday the noble Viscount the Leader of the House staged what he described as a pre-emptive strike against his noble friends who traditionally hoped to discuss economic affairs under the heading of the Consolidated Fund Bill. I hope I may bring some solace to his noble friends by assuring them that they will have ample opportunity to expose the deficiencies of the Government's economic policies by participating in the debate which is in my name for tomorrow afternoon.

On Question, Bill read a second time.

Committee negatived; then, Standing Order 44 having been dispensed with (pursuant to Resolution of 18th March), Bill read a third time, and passed.