HC Deb 30 March 1979 vol 965 cc802-3
Mr. Clinton Davis

I beg to move amendment No. 36 in page 50, line 30, leave out Clause 42.

Mr. Adley

I shall again reserve most of my remarks until Third Reading, but in regard to this amendment there was a vote of ten to two in Committee, when all Back Benchers combined to try to impress upon both Front Benches our strong feelings on the question of pollution and responsibility of the oil companies.

I well understand the position in which the House finds itself. It is with the greatest reluctance that I agree to this amendment, but having given up almost a day of busy engagements I feel that I would not do myself justice if I did not comment on this amendment before we come to Third Reading.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Every hon. Member knows the hon. Gentleman's strong feelings on this matter. I appreciate the concession that he has made. I have already adduced the arguments as to why it was not possible to accept clause 42 as it stood. I happen not to have secured the assistance of even my hon. Friends on that occasion, save my hon. Friend the Member for Newton (Mr. Evans), who was my Whip. I appreciate very much the fact that the hon. Member has made this concession in the wider interests of the Bill as a whole.

Amendment agreed to.

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