Legislation paving the way for the return of the missing bodies of people murdered by terrorists was condemned last night by peers in the House of Lords who claimed the move was "appeasing the IRA".
But the Northern Ireland (Location of Victims' Remains) Bill was given its Lords second reading without a vote, according to the custom of the House.
The measure, which has cleared the Commons, amends the law to ensure any evidence which emerges in locating the remains of the disappeared would not be used in criminal proceedings.