THE father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence says he hopes a Government report out today will help ease the anguish for families of missing people.

Peter Lawrence has called for politicians to back recommendations by the Justice Select Committee, who have led an inquiry into “presumption of death” legislation in England and Wales, that the laws should be changed to make it simpler for the personal affairs of people who have disappeared to be managed by their relatives.

Speaking ahead of his daughter’s 38th birthday next Monday, the third she will have been missing on following her disappearance in March 2009, Mr Lawrence said the current system was “very expensive and virtually impossible”, and the legislation changes would help hundreds of families every year.

He also said he “can scarcely believe” Claudia’s birthday was coming around again with no news about what had happened to her. He renewed his appeal for anybody with information which could provide a breakthrough to come forward.

If passed, the guardianship legislation would mean families whose loved ones have been missing for 90 days could apply to the courts to take charge of matters such as bank accounts, mortgage and insurance.

Mr Lawrence, who has backed campaigns for missing people’s rights, said he found it “very difficult” to do this after Claudia vanished, adding: “You are at your lowest emotions when somebody you love goes missing, then you are faced with this practical issue.

“There are more than 1,000 families each year that would benefit from this legislation. “I would ask ministers to please, please follow the momentum and approve this legislation.”

Mr Lawrence said Claudia would be “desperately missed” on her birthday next week, saying: “These milestones seem to come along so rapidly – I can scarcely believe it’s been nearly three years and also her 38th birthday coming up.

“All these times are very difficult for the family, as Claudia would always be with us on her birthday. It is one of those things we have to bear until she is found.

“Somebody out there does know what happened to Claudia, and it’s time something pricked their conscience enough to put us out of our misery.”