By Our Political Correspondent
THE controversial Northern Ireland Bill which was amended by the Government in the House of Lords following protests from the Irish Hierarchy seems set for a smooth passage through the House of Commons. When the Bill was given an unopposed second reading on Tuesday, a Catholic member, Mr. Robert Mellish (Lab, Bermondsey), said Catholics were grateful for the changes which had been made and for the assurances which had been given by the Government.
The principal point of controversy in the Bill was a clause %vetch, in its original form. gave the Northern Ireland Parliament power to acquire by compulsory purchase property belonging to religious and educational bodies.