COMMISSION

HC Deb 18 November 1998 vol 319 c1046

Lords amendment: No. 89, in page 17, line 3, leave out ("the statutory functions conferred on the Commission;") and insert

("the functions conferred on the Commission by virtue of any enactment;")

Mr. Ingram

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

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this it will be convenient to discuss Lords amendments Nos. 90 and 272 to 275.

Mr. Ingram

This is a group of minor and technical amendments to the provisions for an Assembly Commission. The principal function of the Commission is to provide the Assembly—or to ensure that the Assembly is provided with—the property, staff and services required for the Assembly's purposes.

The amendments enable the Commission to charge for goods and services, and make a number of other minor and technical changes to the provisions on bringing proceedings by, or against, the Commission; on the Commission's status as a Crown body; and on its functions. I commend the amendments to the House.

Mr. Peter Robinson

The Minister may draw my attention to an amendment in the group entitled "Miscellaneous and supplemental", but the Assembly Commission met the Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office, in relation to the exercise of control in the Stormont estate. I think that we have reached a mutually satisfactory arrangement, but it would be helpful if it was given to us from the Dispatch Box so that it is clear that the Commission will be in control—not only of Parliament buildings, but of the apron of land that goes down in front of Parliament buildings—so that no demonstrations can take place without the Assembly's permission.

Mr. Ingram

The hon. Gentleman is a member of the Assembly Commission—other hon. Members may not know that—and has been involved in the debate about the Stormont estate. Discussions have been proceeding, and agreements that have been reached within those discussions will, of course, be honoured. I can give him that assurance from the Dispatch Box.

Lords amendment agreed to.

Lords amendments Nos. 90 to 104 agreed to.