§ 11.25 p.m.
§ Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.
§ Mr. Graham Page (Crosby)On Second Reading I raised the question whether, since Clause 55 embodies a Statutory Instrument of transfer of functions from one Minister to another, thereby enclosing that Statutory Instrument in a Statute, it will be possible in future to alter such a transfer of functions—in short, to change the Consolidation Bill by means of a Statutory Instrument as has been possible in the past by order of transfer of functions.
The Solicitor-General was good enough to write to me on the subject, but perhaps he will be good enough to say for the record, whether we can now use an Order under Clause 55 for transfer of functions.
§ The Solicitor-General (Sir Dingle Foot)The hon. Member for Crosby (Mr. Graham Page) raised this matter on Second Reading and I sent him a letter about it today, but I am glad to put it on record that it will still be possible to arrange for a transfer of functions under the existing legislation by an Order and that the position is not in any way affected by the provisions of this Clause.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Clauses 56 and 57 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Schedules agreed to.
§ Bill reported, without Amendment; read the Third time and passed, without Amendment.