SELECTIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (Hansard, 23 October 1975)

§ Mr. Wyn Roberts
I beg to move Amendment No. 34, in page 7, line 24, at end insert: 'and give the information concerning it that is required to be specified in a statement under subsection (6) above'. This is an eminently helpful amendment to Members on both sides, because it specifies the kind of information that is required about directions under Clause 11 in the annual report; namely, the amount of assistance given under Section 7 of the Industry Act, and how and to whom it was given.
The amendment follows the one inserted in the Scottish Development Agency Bill by the Government in Committee. I do not see how the Government can resist this amendment, having inserted a similar one in the Scottish Development Agency Bill.

§ Mr. Barry Jones
I am convinced of the irrestibility of the argument advanced by the hon. Member for Conway (Mr. Roberts), and we accept the amendment.

§ Mr. Alec Jones
I beg to move Amendment No. 35, in page 7, line 35, after ' of', insert ' and incidental to '.
This is simply a drafting amendment.

§ Mr. Alec Jones
I beg to move Amendment No. 36, in page 8, line 6, at end add— '(14A) For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared, without prejudice to the generality of section 2(8) above, that powers exercised by the Agency under this section are not exercised on behalf of the Crown or of any government department.'. The amendment is intended to make it clear that, when the Agency is exercising its power to give selective financial assistance, it is not to be regarded as the servant or agent of the Secretary of State. The provision ensures that when the 811 Agency gives assistance under Clause 11 it shall do so in its own name, therefore if any dispute arises it will be dealt with by the Welsh Development Agency. This ensures that the Agency will have every incentive to act efficiently and prudently.
I am delighted to assure the House that for the sake of uniformity, parallel amendments have been made to the Industry Bill and the Scottish Development Agency Bill. The amendment now brings this Bill into line with those.