§ Mr. MellorI beg to move amendment No. 52, in page 21, line 30 at end insert
'; but the powers mentioned in paragraph (b) above shall not be exercised before the expiry of the period of 35 days (computed according to section 40 of that Act) beginning with the day on which the election was held'.
§ Mr. MellorOn the basis of Christmas coming in February, this is a gift to the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Mr. Beith).
§ Mr. BeithNot only to me, but to the National Association of Local Parish Councils, of which I am a vice-president. I am grateful to the Minister for agreeing to this change in the timetable arrangements. I thank him for responding so readily to the representations of parish councils.
Amendment agreed to.
Amendment made: No. 53, in page 21, line 34, at end insert
'and section 40(3) of that Act (computation of time) shall apply for the purposes of subsection (2) above as it applies for the purposes of section 39'.—[Mr. Mellor.]