§ 3.2 p.m.
§ The CHAIRMAN of COMMITTEES (Lord Aberdare)My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a.—(Lord Aberdare.)
Lord CAMPBELL of CROYMy Lords, I gave notice to the noble Lord the Chairman of Committees that I should like to make a very brief comment on this Bill at this stage because I spoke on the Second Reading on 19th February and drew attention to Clause 5. I pointed out that it was objectionable because it would have granted a particular power to a single local authority—a power which Parliament had made clear it was not prepared to confer upon local authorities in a Public Bill. To complete the picture for your Lordships now, I express contentment because during June the promoters of the Bill asked for the withdrawal of Clause 5 and so what I was seeking has now happened.
I will not describe again the reasons. I will simply say that this was a clause which could have been damaging to industry. The CBI felt strongly enough about it to enter the proceedings as petitioners against the clause. Because the House listened to me patiently at that 9 time, arguing the case against the clause, it is only proper and courteous on my part now to welcome its disappearance.
§ On Question, Bill read 3a, and passed, and sent to the Commons.