HC Deb 19 November 1954 vol 533 c723

Lords Amendment: In page 80, line 1, leave out subsection (2) and insert: (2) No returns, statistics or other information obtained under the foregoing subsection shall, without the consent in writing of the person carrying on the undertaking to which the returns, statistics or other information relate, be disclosed except—

  1. (a) with the consent of the Minister, to a government department for the purposes of the exercise by them of any of their functions; or
  2. (b) in the form of a summary of similar returns, statistics or other information furnished by a number of owners of mines or quarries, being a summary so framed as not to enable particulars relating to the undertaking of a particular person to be ascertained therefrom; or
  3. (c) for the purposes of any proceedings for an offence under this Act or any report of any such proceedings."

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

I beg to move. "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This Amendment is in order to provide protection for persons who make returns to the Minister—protecting legally against disclosure all those concerned without the various consents referred to in the Amendment. It brings the provision into line with the provisions of the Statistics of Trade Act, 1947.

Question put, and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments, to the Amendment in page 86, line 1, agreed to.