HC Deb 15 July 1964 vol 698 cc1295-7

Lords Amendment: In page 8, line 32, leave out from "the" to "relates" in line 35 and insert: manner in which notice claiming registration in respect of goods is to be given under that section; (b) for prescribing the particulars to be included in any such claim of the descriptions of goods to which it".

Mr. du Cann

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

I think that it would be convenient if we were able to take the two following Amendments with this one, in page 8, line 27, at end insert: and the documents to be furnished in support of any such particulars and in line 38, leave out paragraph (b).

Mr. Deputy-Speaker (Sir Robert Grimston)

If the House agrees.

Mr. du Cann

I am very much obliged.

The three Amendments make certain alterations in the Registrar's powers to make regulations for purposes connected with the notice required to be given by suppliers seeking registration for goods under Clause 6. As to the first point, we think that the word "form" is too rigid and restrictive. We believe that the word "manner" to be much better. I am glad to see the hon. and learned Gentleman agreeing with me. We hope that the suggestion we are making here will be helpful to the Registrar and everyone else concerned with these matters.

The second of these Lords Amendments provides that the Registrar may make regulations saying what documents the supplier has to furnish. It is necessary, we think, to give the Registrar express power to prescribe the documents—the form for making price lists, catalogues, matters of that sort. The reason is that the right of the supplier or the trade association to claim registration is limited to goods of any description which are being acquired by the supplier or member of the trade association under arrangements for maintaining minimum resale prices. The Registrar should have power to require such documentation to be furnished to enable him to see whether the supplier or, again, the trade association is entitled to give notice.

The third of the Lords Amendments would delete a provision in the Bill as it stands at present giving the Registrar power to require notice to be advertised. We think that giving the Registrar power to require notice to be advertised would impose an unreasonable burden on suppliers to require them to advertise these goods widely and in detail.

The Amendments taken together would facilitate the operation of the Act—if Parliament in its wisdom sees fit to convert the Bill into an Act. I hope that it will make matters a little simpler for the suppliers concerned.

Mr. W. Wells

We agree that these Lords Amendments constitute a considerable cheapening and simplification of the procedure involved, and support them.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments agreed to.