HC Deb 25 January 1967 vol 739 cc1728-9
Mr. Willey

I beg to move, as an Amendment to the words so restored to the Bill, in page 180, line 17, to leave out 'either'.

I think that it would meet the convenience of the House to take with this Amendment the following Amendment, in line 19.

Mr. Speaker

If the House does not object, so be it.

3.45 a.m.

Mr. Willey

This is a case in which we are dealing with groups of companies. Here is a case in which I got into difficulties by following precedent. I followed the Finance Act, 1965, but I did not take the opportunity of bringing the provisions of the Bill into line with an amendment made by the Finance Act, 1966. I did not take that step because I did not think there would be a case arising within the scope of this Amendment. It was pointed out in another place that a similar Amendment was required here. The Government asked for evidence of that requirement. The evidence was produced. Therefore, I ask the House to accept this Amendment.

Mr. Graham Page

I must admit that when I and a few of my hon. Friends came to draft Amendments for this stage we drafted this Amendment and then found that the right hon. Gentleman already had it on the Paper. It might, perhaps, have been a pleasant closing to these proceedings had I known this was going to be the last Amendment on the Paper and had added my name to the right hon. Gentleman's, but, at any rate, we welcome this Amendment and we are grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for moving it.

Amendment to the words so restored in the Bill agreed to.

Further Amendment made to the words so restored to the Bill: In page 180, line 19, after 'Ireland', insert: 'a company which is constituted under any Act, Royal Charter or Letters Patent or is formed under the law of a country or territory outside the United Kingdom'.—[Mr. Willey.] Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their Amendments to the Bill:—Mr. Willey, Mr. Skeffington, Mr. Allason, Mr. Graham Page and Dr. Mabon:—Three to be the quorum.—[Mr. Willey]: —To withdraw immediately.

Reasons for disagreeing to certain of the Lords Amendments reported and agreed to; to be communicated to the Lords.