§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Marcus Fox)I beg to move amendment No. 80, in page 32, line 38, leave out
'a report under section 4(2) of the local Government Act 1974'and insert:'an order made by statutory instrument by the Secretary of State'.
§ Mr. Deputy SpeakerWith this, we may discuss Government amendments Nos. 81 to 84.
§ Mr. FoxThese amendments fulfil the promises made in Committee by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 18 March that, subject to the withdrawal of Opposition amendments Nos. 264, 299 and 300, he would table amendments to the effect that determination under clauses 38 and 39 would be specified in an order subject to the affirmative resolution procedure, Clauses 38 and 39 as they stand deal with transitional arrangements and relate to the variation of grant by the use of a multiplier specified in a report under section 42 of the Local Government Act 1974. Such a report, which gives details of the rate support grant order, is not subject to a vote. The amendments provide that the principles on which the multipliers are determined should be specified in an order made by statutory instrument subject to affirmative resolution, thus ensuring that the House would have an opportunity to consider and discuss them prior to their coming into effect. They abide by a promise made in Committee.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§
Amendment made: No. 81, in page 32, line 41, at end add—
'(6) An order under this section shall be laid before the House of Commons and shall not have effect until approved by a resolution of that House; and no determination shall be made under this section until the order has effect'.—[Mr. Fox.]