HL Deb 21 May 1969 vol 302 cc323-4

2.45 p.m.

THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF LISTOWEL)

My Lords, in moving these Amendments to our Standing Orders on Private Bills, I have to explain that they provide for an increase in the fees charged by the Official Shorthand Writer for certain duties—for attendance at proceedings on Private Bills and at certain Sessional Committees and for the provision of transcriptions. These fees were last revised in August. 1965. The increases have been agreed by the Treasury. To save the time of the House, I should like to move these four Amendments en bloc. I beg to move.

Moved, That the following Amendments be made to the Standing Orders relative to Private Bills etc., effecting an increase in the fees payable to the Shorthand Writer:

Table of fees, page 99, line 34, leave out "6–10–6" and insert "7–16–6";

Table of fees, page 99, line 35, leave out "7–14–6" and insert "9–5–6";

Table of fees, page 99, line 37, leave out "2–3" and insert "2–8";

Table of fees, page 99, line 38, leave out "3–2" and insert "3–10".—(The Earl of Listowel.)

LORD LINDGREN

My Lords, may I ask my noble friend whether these changes have been agreed to in conjunction with the appropriate organisation representing the shorthand writers?

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, these charges were decided by a Committee of your Lordships' House and they are the consequence of that decision. I cannot tell my noble friend whether the union representing the Official Shorthand Writer, assuming that he is represented by a union, was consulted before these changes were submitted to the Committee of this House.

LORD INGLEWOOD

My Lords, if it is so easy for a Committee of your Lordships' House to agree to these changes, may I ask why the Government continually put obstacles in the way of revising the rate by which Members who have to use motor cars to attend your Lordships' House can have reimbursement on a proper scale?

THE EARL OF LISTOWEL

My Lords, may I suggest that the noble Lord should address that question to the Government, rather than to me.

On Question, Motion agreed to: the said Standing Orders amended accordingly.