HC Deb 21 July 1967 vol 750 cc2667-8

Question proposed, That the Clause stand part of the Bill.

Mr. Graham Page

I would like to know why the bringing into operation of Clause 17 is being postponed. The Clause deals with the restriction of the use of heavy vehicles on weak bridges. This is a consolidation Bill and I had presumed that the law on this point is in existence perhaps in some other words than those in Clause 17. Why, then, is it necessary to postpone the operation only of Clause 17 out of about 113 Clauses?

The Solicitor-General

The answer, of course, is that this is a consolidation Measure. Under the law as it stands, the bringing into force of these powers depends on an order made by a Minister and we could not put a precise date in the Bill without altering the law, which is what we are not entitled to do under the consolidation procedure.

Mr. Graham Page

I am still not quite clear about this. The right hon. and learned Gentleman says that it would be altering the law to bring Clause 17 into operation at once. Is it in some future legislation? What is the position? I do not quite understand this.

The Solicitor-General

It reproduces existing legislation because this is a consolidation Measure.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedules 1 to 5 agreed to.