HC Deb 08 July 1996 vol 281 cc64-5
Mr. Clappison

I beg to move amendment No. 49, in page 46, line 15, leave out from `has' to 'on' in line 16 and insert 'for that period had its only or main mooring in the same locality'. Amendment No. 49 arises out of reflection that we gave to the provision of the Bill that concerns the mooring of houseboats. We now accept that the Bill, as drafted, unintentionally restricted the mobility of a houseboat in seeking to define the prior qualifying period for grant assistance. The amendment allows houseboats and their owners to moor happily.

Mr. Raynsford

In Committee, I urged the Minister to look sympathetically at the amendment. I reminded him that floating voters would not be amused if the Government failed to act on this. We are delighted that the Government have recognised the need for a change to ensure more effective help to houseboat owners. We will ensure that houseboat owners know the origin of the amendment: it is the result of a Labour amendment in Committee.

Amendment agreed to.

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