§ CLAUSE 6.
§ Clause 6, page 5, line 42, it end insert the following new clause:
§ ("Power to vary the Second Schedule to this Act.
§ .—(1) Subject to the provisions of this section the Minister of Works may by order made with the consent of the Duke of Wellington for the time being vary the provisions of the Second Schedule to this Act, and as from the date of the coming into force of that order the provisions of this Act shall have effect accordingly.
§ (2) Before making any order under this section, the Minister of Works shall lay a draft thereof before each House of Parliament, and the order shall not be made until the expiration of a period of forty days beginning with the day on which a copy of the draft is laid before each House of Parliament, or if such copies are laid on different days, with the later of the two days, and if within that period either House resolves that the order be not made, no further proceedings shall be taken thereon, but without prejudice to the laying before Parliament of a new draft
§ In reckoning any such period of forty days, no account shall be taken of any time during 847 which Parliament is dissolved or prorogued or during which both Houses are adjourned for more than four days.")
§ LORD HENDERSONMy Lords, I beg to move that we agree to the second Amendment on the Order Paper. That, too, is designed to give effect to a recommendation made by the Select Committee in another place. It was felt that the proposed division of Apsley House between the Museum and the private residence of the Dukes of Wellington, while satisfactory in present circumstances, might not suit changed conditions in the future. The Amendment, therefore, provides that the Minister of Works may, by order, give effect to agreed adjustments in the distribution of accommodation as provided by the Bill. The insertion of the new clause would remove the need for special legislation to enable such adjustments to be made. As noble Lords will see, any such orders require the consent of both Parties and Parliamentary control will be assured through the negative Resolution procedure of both Houses. I need only say that the proposed Amendment has the full consent of the noble Duke, the Duke of Wellington, and I am sure that it will meet with the unanimous approval of your Lordships. I beg, therefore, to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.
§ Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(Lord Henderson.)
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, this seems to be obviously and practically convenient.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.