HL Deb 21 October 1980 vol 413 cc1874-5

130 Schedule 3, page 63, leave out line 44 and insert— '(2B) Where a party neither attends nor secures that he is represented'

131 Schedule 3, page 63, leave out line 46, and insert 'shall nevertheless proceed.'

Lord MACKAY of CLASHFERN

My Lords, I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 130 and 131. These minor drafting amendments are necessary to make it clear tht the hearing on adjustments will go ahead even if the appellant and his solicitor are not present. This provision is necessary to avoid delays in the procedure and to ensure that proper importance is given to the hearing on adjustments. It does not in our view prejudice the rights of the appellant as, even if the judge rejects all his proposed adjustments, these will be attached to the stated case and be seen by the High Court.

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