§ 7.34 p.m.
§ Report received.
§ Clause 1 [Exclusion from valuation roll of subjects below low water mark]:
§
Lord KIRKHILL moved the following Amendment:
Page 1, line 15, leave out ("six") and insert ("nine").
§ The noble Lord said: My Lords, Clause 1(2) provides for the fixing of the effective date of deletion from the valuation roll of subjects which are of a class upon which exemption has, by order, been conferred. The first exercise of the order-making power is intended to exempt types of subjects which are already entered on the valuation roll and have been effectively since 16th May, 1975. The subsection therefore provides for a greater degree of back-dating of exemptions in the first instance than will be necessary thereafter. But to allow this greater back-dating the order must be made within six months of the enactment of the Bill. It is clear that consultation and the drafting of the first order must be completed very quickly, having regard to the time that will be required for scrutiny here and in the other place.
§ The Government must be sure to allow ample time for the processes of consultation and proper consideration of any private interest which may be affected. For this reason, and as a precaution, the Government desire that the period available for consultation with these interests and the making of the order relating to the year 1975–76 be extended to nine months. I beg to move.
§ On Question, Amendment agreed to.