HC Deb 18 November 1998 vol 319 c1072

Lords amendment: No. 162, in page 33, line 32, leave out from second ("to") to end of line 36 and insert— ("(a) the Attorney General for Northern Ireland; and (b) where the decision mentioned in subsection (1) relates to a devolution issue (within the meaning of Schedule 11), the appropriate authority, unless the person to whom the notice would be given is a party to the proceedings. (5) A person to whom notice is given under subsection (4) or, where such notice is given to the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, those Ministers acting jointly")

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. 163 to 166, 324 to 347 and 383. I must inform the House that Lords amendment No. 347 involves privilege.

Mr. Ingram

The amendments relate to judicial proceedings. We have provided rights for the devolved authorities to be represented on devolution issues under schedule 11, in consideration of the powers of the courts to vary retrospective decisions under clause 69. We have also added to the list of devolution issues so that all questions appropriate for this special procedure are covered. There is a clause to guide the courts in the interpretation of Assembly Bills. I commend the amendments to the House.

Lords amendment agreed to.

Lords amendments Nos. 163 to 177 agreed to.

Forward to