HC Deb 27 July 1977 vol 936 cc682-5

Lords amendment: No. 3, in page 8, line 17, at end insert— (IA) Where the Board intend to exercise their powers under this section to work and get minerals by means of open-cast operations otherwise than in association with working and getting coal, the Secretary of State shall not give his approval under subsection (1) above unless he is satisfied, after consultation with the Secretary of State for the Environment and having regard to the overall demand on the capacity of the mineral industry, that the exercise of such powers by the Board would be commercially reasonable and in the national interest.

Motion made, and Question put, That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said amendment.—[Mr. Eadie.]

The House divided: Ayes 248, Noes 218.

Question accordingly agreed to.

Lords Amendments Nos. 4 and 5 dis. agreed to.

Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to their amendments to the Bill: Mr. Thomas Cox, Mr. Eadie, Mr. Gray, Mr. Hannam and Dr. J. Dickson Mabon Three to be the quorum.—[Mr Eadie.]

To withdraw immediately.

Reasons for disagreeing to the Lords amendments reported, and agreed to to be communicated to the Lords.