HC Deb 19 June 1973 vol 858 cc467-9
Mr. Younger

I beg to move Amendment No. 92, in page 163, line I, after 'shall', insert: 'subject to sub-paragraph (4) below'.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. E. L. Mallalieu)

With this we can also take Government Amendment No. 93.

Mr. Younger

There was discussion about this matter during the 34th Sitting of the Committee, when there was criticism that this Schedule did not include specific provision for a person's membership of the Commission for Local Authority Accounts to be terminated by the Secretary of State if the circumstances should demand it. Paragraph (2) includes the common provision that: Each member … shall hold and vacate office in accordance with the terms of his appointment. The intention is to include in letters of appointment provision as to the period when each appointment will normally end. It seems desirable to insert in the schedule provision regarding premature termination of appointment similar to that in Schedule 4(1) relating to the Boundary Commission.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment made: No. 93, in page 163, line 6, at end insert: (4) The Secretary of State may remove a person from membership of the Commission if he is satisfied that that person—

  1. (a) has had his estate sequestrated or has made a trust deed for behoof of his creditors or a composition contract;
  2. (b) is incapacitated by physical or mental illness;
  3. (c) has been absent from meetings of the Commission for a period longer than six consecutive months otherwise than for a reason approved by the Secretary of State; or
  4. (d) is otherwise unable or unfit to discharge the functions of a member.'.—[Mr. Younger.]

Mr. Younger

I beg to move Amendment No. 94, in page 163, line 36, leave out paragraph 6 and insert: '6.—(1) Officers and agents, appointed by the Commission shall hold office on such reasonable terms and conditions, including conditions as to remuneration, as the Commission thinks fit. (2) The Commission may pay such pensions, allowances or gratuities to or in respect of any of its officers on their retirement or death, or make such payments towards the provision of such pensions, allowances or gratuities, as the Commission thinks fit'.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this we can also discuss Amendment No. 95, in page 163, line 37, at end insert: '(1A) Officers and servants appointed by the Commission shall be employed on such reasonable terms and conditions, including conditions as to remuneration, as the Commission think fit'.

Mr. Younger

Paragraph 6 of the schedule deals with the tenure of office and remuneration of the officers and agents of the Commission for Local Authority Accounts and with pension arrangements for officers. This amendment is to bring the provision into line with normal local authority practice.

Mr. Ross

I am grateful to the Under-Secretary for tabling this amendment. He will notice that subsection (1) of his new paragraph 6 is virtually the same as my amendment. He has gone further, because he has made the appropriate reference in respect of pensions, allowances and gratuities. I know that local government people are concerned about this and were anxious to have such an amendment tabled. I address my thanks to the Government for this unusual step in anticipating my needs.

Amendment agreed to.

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