§ Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.
§ Dr. Jeremy Bray (Motherwell, South)The clause is worded in extraordinarily broad terms and it would be 712 helpful if the Economic Secretary would explain the justification for that. If he wishes to intervene now, perhaps I shall speak again later.
§ Mr. John MooreThe hon. Member for Motherwell, South (Dr. Bray) asked a specific question on Second Reading and I have been able to obtain a specific answer. It may be convenient if I tell him now that the clause does not extend the present power to give guarantees. It merely codifies existing prerogative powers under which the Government can give indemnities when they consider it in the national interest to do so.
The hon. Member was correct when he said that there is no monetary limit, but that is no change from the present position. The clause gives specific parliamentary authority for such operations and lays down specific rules for notifying the House whenever indemnities are given, as well as when they are called. I know that the hon. Gentleman agreed with that, but he wanted clarification. I hope that my comments have been helpful to him.
§ Dr. BrayIf there were no specific authority, the House, by giving specific authority, is doing something that was not done before. I shall read carefully what the Economic Secretary has said. The proposal could create a situation that might be desirable, though not foreseen by the Government. A Government who did not enjoy a majority in the House could initiate sweeping action under the clause and not be called to account by the House.
Without going so far as to think that the Government have secret plans for vast IMF schemes, or anything so imaginative as that, I can foresee a future Government proposing schemes that would not command the instant support of the House. Other legislatures required to endorse the proposals could be obstructive. The most difficult case could involve the behaviour of Congress. Do any comparable provisions exist in current or planned United States legislation?
§ Mr. MooreI should like to be able to answer that, but I cannot. I shall answer the question at some other time. I do not believe that the provision changes the nature of our authority. It seeks to give propriety to it. I shall examine the matter carefully.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
§ Bill reported, without amendment
§ Motion made, and Question, That the Bill be now read the Third time, put forthwith pursuant to Standing Order No. 58 (Third Reading), and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time, and passed.