STAGES OF BILLS

HC Deb 30 July 1998 vol 317 cc578-9

Mr. Paul Murphy

I beg to move amendment No. 13, in page 5, line 16, at end insert— '() Standing orders may, in relation to different types of Bill, modify provisions made in pursuance of subsection (1).'.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this, it will be convenient to discuss Government amendments Nos. 14 and 15.

Mr. Murphy

Amendments Nos. 13 to 15 would amend clause 11. Clause 11(2) merely provides that the Standing Orders of the Assembly may include provision for the setting up of a Committee to examine measures or proposals for legislation for their conformity with equality requirements. This is one of the most important safeguards in the agreement, designed to develop an atmosphere of confidence and trust.

Consultation with parties has revealed a feeling that the existing text of the Bill is not sufficiently clear, providing only that Standing Orders may include provision of the Committee. The effect of the amendments is that the Standing Orders must include provision for establishing the Committee, and may also include provision for the details of a Bill to be considered by the Committee in circumstances specified by the order. That will permit paragraphs 12 and 13 of strand 1 of the agreement to be reflected. The Assembly will not be obliged to put every Bill to such a Committee—that is not part of the agreement. I believe that the amendments give effect more precisely to the agreement itself, and I commend them to the House.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendments made: No. 14, in page 5, line 17, leave out from 'orders' to 'such' in line 18 and insert— '(a) shall include provision for establishing'.

No. 15, in page 5, leave out lines 20 and 21 and insert 'and (b) may include provision for the details of a Bill to be considered by the committee in such circumstances as may be specified in the orders.'.—[Mr. Dowd.]