HC Deb 29 June 1971 vol 820 cc306-7
Mr. Noble

I beg to move Amendment No. 33, in page 35, line 5, leave out '£25' and insert '£100'.

I understand that it would be convenient to discuss at the same time Government Amendments No. 52, in page 90, line 4, at end insert: 8A. In section 9(3) of the Airports Authority Act 1965 (under which a contravention of byelaws under that section may be punished by a fine of an amount not exceeding twenty-five pounds for the words "twenty-five pounds") there shall be substituted the words "one hundred pounds".

No. 53, in page 90, line 5, leave out 'the Airports Authority Act 1965' and insert 'that Act'.

No. 56, in page 93, line 34, at end insert: 24A. In section 5 of the Civil Aviation Act 1968 (under which a contravention of byelaws under that Act may be punished by a fine of an amount not exceeding twenty-five pounds) for the words "twenty-five pounds" there shall be inserted the words "one hundred pounds".

No. 57, in page 93, line 35, leave out 'the Civil Aviation Act 1968' and insert 'that Act'.

These Amendments arise as a consequence of a helpful suggestion—I had many in Committee—from the hon. Member for Pontypridd (Mr. John). The Bill at present provides a maximum penalty of £25 for offences against the byelaws of the Civil Aviation Authority's aerodromes in line with the existing penalty provisions in respect of offences against the byelaws of aerodromes operated by the British Airports Authority, the Department of Trade and Industry and the local authorities. The British Airports Authority will have particular problems, particularly at Heathrow, with regard to touting, and the present byelaws are inadequate. The fact that touting includes abortion touting will be a sufficient reminder to hon. Members of the seriousness of the problem. I am sure, therefore, that they will find Amendment No. 52 acceptable and will agree that No. 33 and No. 56 should also be incorporated in the Bill so as to maintain the present consistency between these various provisions. Amendments No. 53 and No. 57 are consequential drafting Amendments.

Mr. John

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for these Amendments. It was because I thought that there were potentially serious categories included within the provision for the making of byelaws that I suggested increased penalties. I am grateful that he has been able to accede to it.

Amendment agreed to.

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