HC Deb 23 March 1976 vol 908 cc361-2

Lords amendment: No. 7, in page 4, line 1, leave out from "rating" to end of line 4.

Mr. Denis Howell

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

Would it be convenient to take at the same time Lords amendment No. 8, Mr. Deputy Speaker?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I understand that that is agreed by all sides of the House.

Mr. Howell

These two amendments are drafting amendments, although of some importance. They deal with a matter which, when we considered it, we decided we should put right. The main purpose is to ensure that the Water Authorities Order 1976 can provide for a percentage charge to the formula-rated nationalised industries—electricity, gas, the Post Office, and the water industry itself—on a similar basis to that provided for refunds. I am advised that if we did not put in the amendments we would not be able to charge these industries for refunds on the basis required by the Daymond judgment. That is not satisfactory, as I am sure the House will agree, and I hope the amendments will be agreed to.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords amendment agreed to.

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