HC Deb 05 April 1982 vol 21 c785 10.15 pm
Mr. Wyn Roberts

I beg to move amendment No. 2, in page 5, line 9, after `with', insert `(a).

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine)

With this we shall discuss Government amendment No. 3.

Mr. Roberts

Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 fulfil commitments given in Committee to make mandatory consultation on membership with the appropriate professional bodies and unions. It is important for such bodies to be consulted. The accountancy profession has an obvious interest in the Commissions's work and will have valuable views on possible membership. It is also important to have the views of local authority trade unions. Such consultation will help to ensure that the audit commission has the necessary confidence of all involved in local government. The Committee believed that consultation with such bodies should be spelt out in the Bill. We are happy to agree to that.

Mr. Kaufman

The amendments, which have been moved in response to pressure from the Opposition, represent a remarkable achievement. Local authority trade unions will be consulted about appointments to the audit commission. That is satisfactory. We support the amendments.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment made: No. 3, in page 5, line 10, leave out from 'and' to end of line 11 and insert— '(b) such bodies of accountants, such bodies representing local authority employees, and such other organisations or persons as appear to him to be appropriate.'.—[Mr. Wyn Roberts.]

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