Regulatory Reform (Execution of Deeds and Documents) Order 2005

My Lords, I confess that not only have I been a lawyer but I have also been a member of the Chancery Bar, where technicalities about the execution of deeds and documents are meat and drink. Having said that, I warmly welcome this order, which implements the admirable report of the Law Commission. My only criticism is that the Law Commission reported in 1998 and it has taken seven years to lead to a consequential alteration in the law. This order deals with highly technical matters, but the consequences of the order, although obviously very far from earthshaking, will be clearly beneficial. I must say therefore that I have no hesitation whatever in approving it. This is the kind of change in the law that the Regulatory Reform Act was designed and intended to bring about, which is very typical of what ought to be done. I hope that we will see other recommendations of the Law Commission brought into force in due course under this Act, which saves it from the generally difficult task of finding time for primary legislation. We are more than happy to support the order.