HL Deb 08 November 1989 vol 512 cc752-3

75 Clause 22, page 20, line 3, leave out `this subsection' and insert `regulating the procedure to be followed'.

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 75.

The purpose of this amendment is to clarify that regulations made in respect of inquiries into representations may deal with the procedure to be followed in relation to consideration of representations. It follows the observation of the drafting as put forward by my noble and learned friend Lord Simon of Glaisdale during our earlier considerations. I beg to move.

Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in the said amendment. —(The Lord Chancellor.)

Lord Simon of Glaisdale

My Lords, at an earlier stage, and being under the influence of Professor Hawking, I described this subsection as collapsing on itself like a black hole. If I had been under the influence of a zoologist I might have described it as being like a snake following its own tail. The noble Lord, Lord Rochester, had the same difficulty as regards the drafting and I express my gratitude to my noble and learned friend for having met that.

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, I am grateful to my noble and learned friend.

On Question, Motion agreed to.