HC Deb 08 November 1988 vol 140 cc275-6

The Lords have agreed to the amendment made by the Commons:

In page 46, line 17, leave out 'general control' and insert 'references and applications with respect to'

with the following amendment:

No. 4, in line 1, after 'control', insert 'of.

Mr. Forth

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Madam Deputy Speaker

With this it will be convenient to consider Lords amendments Nos. 5, 6 and 7.

Mr. Forth

These amendments replace an amendment that was agreed to in the Commons on Report, despite drafting defects, as a procedural device to ensure an opportunity for further parliamentary consideration. It was made clear that, although the Government were sympathetic to the intention of the amendment moved by an all-party group on behalf of registered clubs, the amendment was unlikely to be acceptable as it stood. I think that this amendment will go all the way to giving the clubs what they wanted.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

The Minister glossed over what looks like some incompetence in the drafting of the legislation. It is fairly typical of the Government that they are so obsessed with a certain type of control that they do not exert proper control over drafting of legislation. However, we shall let that pass, because the amendments are technical.

Mr. Frank Doran (Aberdeen, South)

In my printed copy there seems to be a typographical error in amendment No. 4(5). I think that the word "included" should read "concluded". Perhaps the Minister would like to comment on that.

Mr. Forth

I assume that it is a typographical error. The intention is as the hon. Gentleman suggests.

Madam Deputy Speaker

Perhaps I could draw the attention of the hon. Member for Aberdeen, South (Mr. Doran) to the list of corrections.

Amendment agreed to.

Lords amendments Nos. 5 to 7 agreed to.

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