HC Deb 22 October 1973 vol 861 cc926-7

2.0 a.m.

Lords Amendment: No. 115, in page 241, leave out lines 3 and 4.

Mr. Younger

I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this we are also taking Lords Amendments Nos. 116, 118, 119, 120, 155, 162, 163, 164 and 193.

Mr. Younger

These are all minor consequential and drafting amendments to Schedules 25 and 28 reflecting repeals and amendments effected elsewhere.

Question put and agreed to.

Lords Amendment: No. 117, in page 243, line 34, at end insert:

"The Weights and Measures Act 1963

In section 4(2) (local standards), after the word "kept" there shall be inserted the words "in such manner and under such conditions as the Secretary of State may direct", the words "and approved for the purpose by the Board" shall cease to have effect, and for the words "approved in that behalf by the Board" there shall be substituted the words "which appear to the authority to be appropriate".

In section 5(3) (working standards etc.), the words "and approved for the purpose by the Board" shall cease to have effect.

In section 44(1) (inspector's fees), the words "with the consent of the Board" shall cease to have effect."

Mr. Gordon Campbell

I beg to move, That the House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

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

With it we shall also take Lords Amendments Nos. 177 to 179.

Mr. Campbell

The amendments remove the need for weights and measures authorities to obtain central approval in relation to local standards, working standards and inspectors' fees. This is a relaxation of central government control over local authorities which we commend.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords amendments agreed to.

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