HC Deb 11 November 1988 vol 140 cc698-9

Lords amendment: No. 85, in page 71, line 14, at end insert—

"(1A) In the application of subsection (1) above to property falling within section 92(1)(b) above, a building or part of a building which, apart from this subsection, would not be regarded as occupied for residential purposes shall be so regarded if—

  1. (a) it is or is intended to be occupied together with a dwelling-house and used for purposes connected with the occupation of the dwelling-house; or
  2. (b) it is or is intended to be used for the provision of services to a dwelling-house which is comprised in a building falling within section 92(1)(a) above."

Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said amendment—[Mr. Maclean.]

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Does the hon. Member for Southwark and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) wish to move his amendment (a), leave out lines 6 to 8, paragraph (a)?

Mr. Simon Hughes

I shall be brief. The Minister has confirmed that there is a risk that people with residential and business premises—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I did not call the hon. Member to make a second speech. I was asking whether he wished to move his amendment (a) formally or to withdraw it.

Mr. Hughes

May I have permission, with the leave of the House, to respond to the Minister?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With the leave of the House, the hon. Member may speak again.

Mr. Hughes

The Minister has confirmed what we feared. I shall not proceed with my amendment because I do not wish to detain the House by forcing a vote now. It is a sad and unfortunate additional provision in the Bill, which was not clear before, that residential and now commercial premises will be included in tenants' choice and the unsatisfactory system which it will provide. For the reasons that I have given, I shall not proceed with my amendment.

Question put and agreed to.

Lords amendments Nos. 86 to 95 agreed to.

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