Mr. Mark HughesI beg to move amendment No. 24, in page 10, line 6, leave out 'may' and insert 'shall'.
We discussed in Committee the curious position that, where the Secretary of State was satisfied of the urgent necessity that the welfare of a protected animal required a cessation order to be placed, he might, or could, or shall, or may, act. There was a lengthy discussion about semantics. I have just received over the grapevine some information which is not available to you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and I shall therefore simply move the amendment.
§ Mr. MellorWe had some fun in Committee because "may" sometimes means "may" but sometimes means "shall". "Shall" normally means "shall". On this occasion I am advised by the draftsman that "may" means "shall", but if "may" means "shall", it seems better to use the word "shall". I therefore accept the hon. Gentleman's amendment.
§ Amendment agreed to.