HC Deb 14 January 1975 vol 884 cc374-5
Mr. Kaufman

I beg to move Amendment No. 12, in page 8, line 14, leave out 'giving directions or'.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this we may discuss Government Amendments Nos. 13, 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

Mr. Kaufman

These amendments change the two new powers of the Secretary of State to give "directions" as to the method of calculating entitlement to subsidies into powers to deal with those matter by making "determinations". It is now felt that the powers could be better exercised by making determinations applying either generally or in particular cases than by giving directions. The difference between a determination and a direction is in a sense technical. Directions are generally used to tell authorities in a formal way that they have to do something. Determinations are more akin to decisions arising out of particular circumstances, although they may then be applied generally.

The new sub-paragraph (1A) to paragraph 11 of Schedule 1, Amendment No. 23, maintains the power to vary or revoke Treasury directions under that paragraph. It is a consequential of the removal from Clause 11(4) of the general power to vary or revoke directions, which is now not required because paragraph 11 now contains the only power in the Bill to give directions.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment made: No. 13, in page 8, line 17, leave out 'directions or determinations given or' and insert 'determinations'.—[Mr. Kaufman.]

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