THE father of missing York woman Claudia Lawrence says he remains optimistic a new law in her name will be passed before Parliament dissolves next month.

Claudia’s Law will enable the family of missing people to be recognised legally as guardians of their loved ones’ property and financial affairs.

Peter Lawrence - whose daughter Claudia has been missing since March 2009 - said the snap General Election meant Parliament would end sooner than expected, but there was still time for the new law to be passed.

He said the Lords return from recess on Monday, and have been discouraged from proposing any further amendments to the bill, which could cause further delays.

He said: “At the moment we believe it’s going through Lords next Thursday.

“Assuming everything goes okay by Wednesday, we’re getting on a train on Thursday morning and hoping to hear that the bill has had its third reading by about 11.30am to midday.”

However, Mr Lawrence said he had to acknowledge that although the bill had cross-party support, time restrictions could unavoidably mean the bill cannot be given the go-ahead.

He said: “I understand if we have the third reading on Thursday, then on the day Parliament is broken on May 3, those bills which have passed through are going to be announced to have royal assent, all being well.

“If that doesn’t happen, it’s right back to square one in the commons, and we have to find someone who is able to put the bill forward again.”

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, proposed Claudia’s Law as a Private Member’s Bill, but its potential reintroduction in a new session of Parliament would depend on finding an MP able to do so.

Mr Lawrence said: “I can’t see anyone actually opposing it, but if someone proposes an amendment, that could hold it up.

“I don’t think filibusters happen in the Lords unless it’s a very political bill.

“I think it’s far more civilised in the Lords in some ways, and their Lordships will have other things on their minds next week when they get back.”