§ The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr. Sydney Irving)I beg to move,
That notwithstanding anything in Standing Order 231 (Presentation of petition for bill under Section 1(4) of the Procedure Act) the Promoters of the Lands Improvement Company's Amendment Bill be permitted to present the petition for their Bill on or before 27th November.The Promoters of the Lands Improvement Company's Amendment Bill are a company whose activities extend to both Scotland and elsewhere.In cases such as this, Section 1(4) of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act, 1936, requires representations to be made to the Secretary of State for Scotland to obtain his consent and that of the Chairman of Ways and Means and the Lord Chairman of Committees. Under Standing Order 231, these representations have to be made not less than four weeks before the Petition for the Bill is presented.
Representations were made by the Promoters to the Secretary of State but were two days late and there was, therefore, a failure to comply with Standing Order 231. At my request, the Parliamentary Agent responsible came to see me and I satisfied myself that his failure was due to an oversight. I have also satisfied myself that the interests of third parties have in no way been prejudiced.
The Agent's failure has in no way affected the proper consideration of the representations.
I commend the Motion to the House.
§ Question put and agreed to.