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Lords amendment: No. 25, in page 29, line 7, at end insert—
This paragraph applies equally where the lease and sub-lease were granted after, but in pursuance of an agreement entered into before, the commencement of this Part.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeI beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.
This is a technical revision that I explained in Committee to enable the arrangements made for the leasing of some of Sealink's newest ships in which the Railways Board is involved to continue when Sealink is in the private sector. This is a technical amendment to extend the saving from ships already under lease when the Bill is enacted to ships not yet leased and subject to a legal agreement to lease. It is a precautionary amendment inserted in the other place in case the last ferry to be delivered by Harland and Wolff to Sealink was late and in case the Bill did not adequately protect Sealink's interests once it was delivered.
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§ Mr. PrescottI understand that the reason for the amendment lies with the "St. David". The agreement in respect of the vessel was signed last Friday. The amendment is no longer relevant. Presumably we cannot arrest our momentum, and we shall have to go forward with the amendment.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWith the leave of the House. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I congratulate the hon. Member for Kingston upon Hull, East (Mr. Prescott) on spotting that which he has outlined. We believed that the "St. David" would be delivered after the Bill had received its Royal Assent. However, the vessel was delivered a few days ago. Strictly speaking, the provision is redundant. However, to 1083 return to their Lordships to remove it would present a difficulty. Although the provision is redundant, it will do no harm. I trust that the House will accept the amendment.
§ Question put and agreed to.