HL Deb 11 November 1975 vol 365 cc1755-7

(NUMBERED 12)

[Nos. 17 and 18]

After Clause 2, at end insert"— ( ) In this section— "editor" includes any deputy of such editor; "material" includes any matter printed or intended for printing or broadcast or intended for broadcasting by television or radio."

The Commons disagreed to the Lords Amendment numbered 17 to the Commons Amendment numbered 12 for the following Reason:

Because it is consequential on a Lords Amendment to which they have disagreed.

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, it had been my intention to move that this House doth not insist on their Amendment No. 17 to the Commons Amendment No. 12 to which the Commons have disagreed for the Reason numbered 18. But I understand that this is consequential on a Lords Amendment to which they disagreed. My noble and learned friend is shaking his head. His brief may be different from mine. Perhaps he might give me advice on this matter.

The LORD CHANCELLOR

If I may properly intervene, I doubt whether it is consequential. We had a discussion upon the matter at an earlier stage, where there was an objection to the fact that the Amendment introduces broadcasting into the whole compass of this affair—if that is the right word. That would not seem to be consequential upon anything which came before. It has an element of alarming originality about it.

Lord HAILSHAM of SAINT MARYLEBONE

My Lords, I hesitate to contradict the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor, and I think it is the first time in two and a half Parliaments in which I have done so. But I must point out to the noble and learned Lord that in Reason numbered 18 the Commons have said: Because it is consequential on a Lords Amendment to which they have disagreed. So I venture, as between the noble Lord the Leader of the House and the noble and learned Lord the Lord Chancellor, to suggest that the Leader of the House is probably right, and the Lord Chancellor is probably wrong.

Lord CARRINGTON

My Lords, may I suggest that, so as to get this discussion in order, somebody should put the Question?

Lord SHEPHERD

My Lords, I beg to move.

Moved, That this House doth not insist on their Amendment No. 17 to the Commons Amendment No. 12, to which the Commons have disagreed for the Reason numbered 18.—(Lord Shepherd.)

The LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, I now have the opportunity of putting the Question. The Question is that this House doth not insist on their Amendment No. 17 to the Commons Amendment No. 12, to which the Commons have disagreed for the Reason numbered 18. As many as are of that opinion will say, "Content"; to the contrary, "Not-Content" The consequence of the voices heard and not heard is that the "Not-Contents" have it.

On Question, Motion negatived.

A Committee appointed to prepare Reasons for the Lords insistence; the Committee to meet forthwith.