HC Deb 17 July 1972 vol 841 cc229-30

VACATION OF OFFICE BY FAILURE TO ATTEND MEETINGS

Mr. Graham Page

I beg to move Amendment No. 309, in page 55, line 28, after 'authority' insert: 'before the expiry of that period'. The Amendment has been tabled following an Amendment tabled and argued in Committee by the right hon. Member for Deptford (Mr. John Silkin). I am grateful to the right hon. Member for raising the matter. Where a councillor fails to attend a meeting of an authority

and the Speaker has reported the numbers accordingly."

I suggest, with respect, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that we follow that precedent.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I suggest that we go through the form again and have the Tellers at the Table.

The Tellers came again to the Table and announced: Ayes 20, Noes 79.

throughout a period of six consecutive months, unless the failure to attend was due to a reason approved by the council, he ceases to be a member of the council. The effect of the Amendment will be to require that the council's approval of the reason for failure to attend is given before the expiry of the six-months period.

Amendment agreed to.

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