HC Deb 15 April 2003 vol 404 cc110-1W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the sunset clauses included in legislation from her Department since 1997.[106952]

Ms Hewitt

Two Bills introduced by my Department in the last five years contained a sunset clause.

Section 16(4) of the Electronic Communications Act 2000 provides for the repeal of Part 1 of the Act five years from Royal Assent if no order is made before then under Section 16(2).

During the current session, Clause 4 of the Electricity (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill contains a time limit that applies to that clause only.

The use of such clauses in future Bills will be assessed on a case-by-case basis in line with Cabinet Office guidance.