HC Deb 19 July 1967 vol 750 cc2395-6
Mr. Darling

I beg to move Amendment 233, in page 59, line 43, after 'directions', to insert 'or instructions'.

Amendment 255, in Clause 88, is similar, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and I wonder whether we may discuss the two together.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Sydney Irving)

Yes, if that is for the convenience of the House.

Mr. Darling

The two Amendments are desirable for reasons of clarification and consistency. We want to make the Bill as clear and as consistent as possible. The phrase "directions or instructions" is used in a similar context in the 1948 Act. For reasons of consistency, we would like the same wording to be used in the Bill.

Mr. Graham Page

For the sake of brevity, we might have reduced and not increased the wording. What is the difference between "directions" and "instructions"? Surely, they are the same word. The House has recently approved on Second Reading a consolidation Bill concerning motor regulations which uses the phrase class or description of class". I foresee that when we consolidate company law—this Bill, together with the next one which the right hon. Gentleman will bring in—we shall go back again and cut out "instructions" and use only "directions", or cut out "directions" and use only "instructions". The two words mean the same thing in this context. I cannot see the need to repeat an error in the 1948 Act.

Amendment agreed to.