HC Deb 26 February 1975 vol 887 cc660-1

Lords Amendment: No. 16: in page 14, line 10, leave out "sea bed" and insert "foreshore".

Mr. Millan

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

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this we are taking Lords Amendment No. 17.

Mr. Millan

Lords Amendments No. 16 and 17 are interrelated and are essentially drafting amendments.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords amendment agreed to.

11.32 p.m.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. William Ross)

I beg to move, That a Committee be appointed to draw up reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their amendments to the Bill: Mr. William Ross, Mr. Bruce Millan, Mr. James Hamilton, Mr. Buchanan-Smith and Mr. Hamish Gray; Three to be the quorum of the Committee; and that it withdraw immediately.

Mr. Gordon Wilson (Dundee, East)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Should there not be a member of the Scottish National Party on that Committee? Even if it is a formality, the Committee includes members of the Opposition, and I ask that consideration be given to including a member of the Scottish National Party formally on the Committee.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

In answer to the hon. Member, this is the normal composition of the Committee, but it is open to debate if the hon. Member so wishes.

Mr. Wilson

The House must recognise that since the General Election a year ago, and the October General Election, there has been a change in its composition in relation to Scotland. In formal matters recognition should be given to the factual representation. That is what I ask. If Ministers are prepared to consider this matter in future I shall withdraw my objection to the motion.

Mr. Ross

I do not think that there is any doubt that we shall consider this matter in future.

Question put and agreed to.

Reasons for disagreeing to certain of the Lords Amendments reported, and agreed to; to be communicated to the Lords.

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