A BID to give families greater control over the affairs of missing people has cleared a major hurdle in the Commons.

Tory Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake is leading efforts to introduce “Claudia’s Law” in memory of Claudia Lawrence, who disappeared on her way to work at the University of York in March 2009.

Mr Hollinrake brought forward draft legislation in the shape of the Guardianship (Missing Persons) Bill which would ensure someone with a sufficient interest in the property and affairs of a missing person could be appointed as a guardian by a court.

Peter Lawrence, Claudia’s father, was told he was unable to manage the financial affairs of his daughter.

Mr Hollinrake’s Bill received an unopposed second reading in the Commons, and it will now proceed to committee stage.

Mr Hollinrake said he hoped the Bill would clear the Commons on February 24, three days before Ms Lawrence’s birthday on February 27, before heading to the Lords for further scrutiny.

The Bill still needs to clear several legislative stages, a prospect made much more likely by Government support.

Martin Dales, a friend and spokesman for Mr Lawrence, said: “It is good news that there is clear support in the House for this legislation to continue its passage.”

“All the time that there is delay in passing the legislation or getting it enacted thousands of families are waiting out there for this sort of legal position to be made available to them while the chaos goes on in their lives - not only that someone is missing but that they cannot look after their affairs.”

Mr Dales said he hoped for quick progress.

“Speed is of the essence,” he added.

Under the terms of the Bill, a person would have to be missing for at least 90 days before the guardian could take control of their affairs and have authority to act on behalf of them for up to four years, which could be renewed by a further court application.

The guardian would be required to act in the best interests of the missing person.

Mr Hollinrake told the Press Association he was “very pleased” with the progress of his Bill.

He said: “It was doubly satisfying because Mr Lawrence was there and he can see that his hard work is coming to fruition.”

Mr Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton, said the Bill has the support of the Government and he is hopeful of “Claudia’s Law” becoming a reality.

He said: “We are making good progress. I am more confident now than a month ago.”