HC Deb 29 July 1965 vol 717 cc868-9

Lords Amendment No. 6: In page 8, line 3, leave out "any" and insert "such".

Mr. Willis

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

Mr. Speaker, might we deal, at the same time, with Lords Amendments Nos. 7, 8 and 9.

Mr. Speaker

If the House so pleases.

Mr. Willis

The purpose of the Amendments is to provide that a notice requiring information should specify the functions for the execution of which the Board requires the information. We have always made it clear that there is no intention of giving the Board dictatorial or arbitrary powers. We have always maintained the belief that, although the powers given in the Clause are necessary, they must be used reasonably. The Amendments help to clarify the position. They make it mandatory on the Board to specify the function or functions for which it requires the information. This is not unreasonable, and I command the Amendments to the House.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 10: In page 8, line 14, at end insert: In determining whether information is so reasonably required by the Board the sheriff may take into account the probable cost or inconvenience to the person who has been required to furnish the information".

Mr. Willis

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

This is to make it clear that it is open to a recipient of a notice under Clause 11 to appeal on the ground of excessive cost or unreasonable inconvenience. The matter was raised during Committee and on Report in this House and in another place. The Amendment makes it clear, therefore, that if an appeal is made this is one of the considerations that can be taken into account. We think it a desirable provision to make.

Mr. Edward M. Taylor (Glasgow, Cathcart)

I should like some clarification. The point was certainly pressed on the Report stage. There was a fear that particularly new or declining businesses which would be the subject of most interest by the Board in carrying out this function might be subject to excessive cost. Does the Amendment make it clear that, if the cost or the trouble were unreasonable, those concerned might be exempted from providing this information?

Is there provision for a small business to be given professional assistance or even some kind of grant to enable it to provide the information that the Board may require? I appreciate that the Amendment might prevent the Board from getting information from a small business which it feels is required. Is there any provision in the Bill, by virtue of the Amendment or some other provision, whereby professional assistance by the Board's officers or some grant may be given to help the business provide the information?

Mr. Willis

I said in Committee that we thought this point to be covered by Clause 9(1,d) and the hon. Member will find that that is so. The Board will have power to do what the hon. Gentleman wants.

Question put and agreed to.