HL Deb 27 March 1980 vol 407 cc984-5

2 Clause 4, page 3, line 34, leave out from "minimum" to end of line 39.

3 Clause 4, page 3, line 40, leave out "the registrar" and insert "him"

4 Clause 4, page 3, line 40, leave out from "a" to end of line 44, and insert "statutory declaration complying with subsection (3) below."

5 Clause 4, page 4, line 1. leave out "written statement" and insert "statutory declaration"

6 Clause 4, page 4, line 3, at end insert—"(aa) the nominal value of the company's allotted share capital is not less than the authorised minimum;"

4.38 p.m.

Lord LYELL

My Lords, I was gratified by the views of the noble and learned Lord opposite, although perhaps he will recall that three years ago when he and his colleagues were on this side of the House we had another happy Bill called the Patents Bill, which had double the number of amendments we are dealing with today —maybe they were not returned from the other place. As I look round the House I begin to think of the happy German marching tune, Alte Kameraden, and I shall have some comments to make on the Patents Bill when I come to speak on certain amendments put down by the noble Lord, Lord Lloyd of Kilgerran. But we take with a pinch of salt precisely what the the noble and learned Lord had to say.

Lord ELWYN-JONES

However, my Lords, it is the case that the Patents Bill left this House in good shape, thanks partly to the assistance of the noble Lord.

Lord LYELL

My Lords, I would reciprocate the good wishes and say that this Bill will go on to the statute book in similar good shape (subject to what my noble friend Lord Trenchard has said) thanks to the help given by all noble Lords and by the other place.

My Lords, I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 2 to 6. I think it may be convenient if I speak at the same time to Amendments Nos. 12, 33, 34 and 60. These amendments simplify the provisions of Clause 4 and other clauses. Amendments Nos. 4, 12, 33, 34 and 60 change the requirement for statutory declarations in the Bill to be signed by not less than two directors of the company to a requirement that they be signed by a director or secretary. This will simplify the procedure for registration. Amendments Nos. 4, 5 and 6 remove the need for a written statement as well as a statutory declaration, as the latter can cover all the necessary matters. Amendments Nos. 2 and 3 are minor amending measures.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(Lord Lyell.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.