HC Deb 21 July 1978 vol 954 cc1063-4

Lords amendment: No. 3, in page 8, line 14, at end insert new clause "A"— ("A The Secretary of State shall lay before Parliament each year, or incorporate in annual reports he already makes, a report of the working of community service orders.")

Mr. Harry Ewing

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

An amendment in these terms was proposed in the Scottish Standing Committee by Conservative Members and opposed by the Government on the grounds that it was unnecessary. The Government also originally opposed the amendment for the same reasons in the other place. However, there was a great deal of support for the amendment from all quarters in the other place, and the Government have decided to accept it.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

I am very pleased that the Minister has accepted the view that was expressed in Committee. I do not want to be in any way grudging in my expression of pleasure at the fact that the Minister has moved to accept the amendment. The Government having had time to consider the matter, had this debate been delayed for a week or two, perhaps the Minister would have felt able to support the previous two amendments.

Question put and agreed to.

Committee appointed to draw up Reasons to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to certain of their amendments to the Bill: Mr. Thomas Cox, Mr. Bernard Weatherill, Mr. Alexander Fletcher, Mr. Ted Graham and Mr. Harry Ewing; Three to be quorum.—[Mr. Harry Ewing.]

To withdraw immediately.

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