HC Deb 21 July 1978 vol 954 cc1053-4

Lords amendment: No. 14, in page 9, line 14, at end insert new Clause B"— B. The Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury make grants for assisting persons engaged in promoting or assisting schemes and research relating to, and dissemination of information in respect of, the enhancement of the physical environment and the promotion of employment in designated districts.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

In accordance with the ruling given by Mr. Speaker at the commencement of business today, I call on the Minister formally to move to disagree with the Lords in this amendment. When that has been done, I shall put the Question forthwith.

Mr. Guy Barnett

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

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. In regard to what is now proposed by the Minister, may I ask you to rule on a statement by the Minister in the other place on 30th June that if the amendment was pressed there I do not intend to put myself or my noble friends into a position in which we appear to be opposing the interests of the voluntary sector."—[Official Report, House of Lords, 30th June 1978; Vol. 394, c. 616.] Is it not right to say that, by not having put down a Financial Resolution, the Government are doing by the back door what they were not prepared to do by the front door and are saying that they are not interested in voluntary bodies in the inner urban areas?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The matter was dealt with by Mr. Speaker at the beginning of today's proceedings, and I think that it would be improper for me to add anything further.

Mr. Eyre

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Would it not be reasonable for the Minister to give some further explanation, since it is clear from the debates in the other place that the interests and concerns of voluntary organisations were of great importance to the working of any reasonable and effective policy, and there was great concern in the other place that some opportunity should be afforded for the voluntary organisations to be given a more prominent and effective part in the working of the system under the Bill?

In these circumstances, would it not be right for the Minister to explain why he has not seen fit to introduce a proposal which would have enabled those matters to be dealt with on the basis of the discussion in the other place?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

There is nothing to be added to what Mr. Speaker has already said this morning.

Question put and agreed to.

Lords amendment no. 15 agreed to.

Lords amendment no. 16 agreed to. [Special Entry.]

Lords amendment no. 17 to 20 agreed to, one with Special Entry.

Committee appointed to draw up a Reason to be assigned to the Lords for disagreeing to one of their amendments to the Bill: Mr. Alison, Mr. Guy Barnett, Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg, Mr. Freeson and Mrs. Ann Taylor; Three to be the quorum.—[Mr. Guy Barnett.]

To withdraw immediately.

Reason for disagreeing to one of the Lords amendments reported, and agreed to; to be communicated to the Lords.