§ 2.54 p.m.
LORD ST. OSWALDMy Lords, I beg to move that the draft Fertilisers (United Kingdom) (Amendment) Scheme, 1963, a copy of which was laid before Parliament on May 30, be approved. When I moved the Motion for the approval of the Fertilisers (United Kingdom) Scheme, 1963, on May 27, I drew the attention of noble Lords to an ambiguity which had crept into the drafting of the Schedule to the Scheme. The purpose of the amending Scheme now before the House is to put the matter beyond doubt by inserting the words "per ton" at the top of the column of subsidy rates in the Schedule. At the same time, the words, "each ton of" are being omitted from the parts of the Schedule concerned with basic slag and potassic basic slag. The effect of these amendments is to make it plain that the rates of subsidy set out in the Schedule to the original Scheme are rates per ton of fertiliser, as in all previous Schemes. I therefore ask noble Lords to approve this Amendment Scheme.
Moved, That the Fertilisers (United Kingdom) (Amendment) Scheme 1963, be approved.—(Lord St. Oswald.)
§ LORD WISEMy Lords, before this Order is passed I should like to congratulate the Minister on carrying out the undertaking which he gave when the original Order was before your Lordships. The amendment which is now proposed makes the original Order quite clear as to what the weight should be and the amount of money which is to be paid for that particular weight. In the original Order, the words "per ton" were mentioned only in regard to basic slag. The 888 amendment of the words as proposed by this amending Order makes it quite clear what is intended, and there should not be any doubt in anyone's mind as to the reason for the Order or its operation. I therefore wish to say, from this side of the House, that we are glad to pass this Order, and we congratulate the Minister on the amendment before us.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.