HL Deb 24 May 1978 vol 392 cc967-8

3.3 p.m.

The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Peart)

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

Moved, That the Standing Orders relating to Public Business be amended as follows:—

Standing Order 53

After paragraph (3) insert—

"(4) In this Standing Order" "stages of a Bill" means First Reading, Second Reading, Committee of the Whole House, Report, Third Reading, Consideration of Commons Amendments and Consideration of Commons Reasons.".

Standing Order 54

In line 1 leave out "any stage of".

Standing Order 61

After "Procedure Committee" insert "Sound Broadcasting Committee." —(Lord Peart.)

Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLS

My Lords, could the noble Lord confirm that to leave out the words "any stage of" in Standing Order 54 in no way alters the meaning of the present Standing Order 54? It could give the impression that the quorum of 30 would not apply to a Committee stage. Will the noble Lord confirm that this is merely a tidying-up endeavour, and that the necessity of having 30 in the House during a Committee stage, a Report stage, and First or Second Readings will still apply?

Lord PEART

My Lords, yes. These Amendments are consequential upon the Report of the Procedure Committee, which has been agreed by the House. The First Report was agreed to on 11th May.

Lord HARMAR-NICHOLLS

My Lords, I take it that the noble Lord is confirming my interpretation?

Lord PEART

My Lords, I said, Yes. That is better than, No, is it not?

On Question, Motion agreed to.

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