HC Deb 22 March 2001 vol 365 cc542-3
Mr. Paul Clark

I beg to move promoters amendment No.1, in page 3, leave out line 42.

Mr. Speaker

With this it will be convenient to take the following: promoters amendment No. 2, in clause 6, page 4, line 29, leave out 'his business' and insert— 'the business in respect of which he is registered'. Promoters amendment No. 3, in clause 8, page 7, line 18, at end insert— '(e) a person engaged in business as a dealer in second-hand books, in respect of his business as such; or (f) a person engaged in business as a dealer in animals, in respect of his business as such; or'. Amendment No. 41, in clause 11, page 8, line 11, after 'trading', insert 'in the county'.

4.15 pm
Mr. Clark

I shall be brief, as the three promoters amendments are all linked and will rectify a problem with book dealers. The intention of the Bill was to exempt such dealers from legislation, in so far as the business is related to books. As drafted, the effect of the Bills on dealers who sell other goods, for example, maps or prints, would be to require records of the transactions relating to books also to be kept.

These promoters amendments would make it clear that no record-keeping would be required for books, even if the dealer is registered to sell other types of second-hand goods. The information held by Kent police did not reveal that there was a problem with stolen books. In fact, only five thefts of valuable books were recorded in a 12-month period. In addition, no consumer complaints about second-hand books can be found on the records, so there does not seem to be a problem with that side of the trade.

Mr. Wyatt

I seek clarification about the wording. I am confused as to whether the "squat trading" referred to in clause 11(1)(c) refers to trading in the county. We hope that it does and, if so, I am happy to a accept that.

Mr. Clark

The promoters are willing to accept amendment No. 41 as they have no problems with it.

Amendment agreed to.

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