§ (References are to [Bill 143] as first printed for the Commons.]
§ 1 Clause 1, page 2, line 5, leave out subsection (4).
§ 2 Page 2, line 12, leave out 'without prejudice to subsection (4) above".
187§ Lord Cameron of LochbroomMy Lords, with the leave of the House, I beg to move that this House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 1 and 2.
Clause 1(4) sets out the range of expertise and experience to which it was thought desirable the Secretary of State should have regard when appointing members to the board. That range is neither mandatory nor exhaustive, and discussion of the subsection in another place suggested that it was of limited value to retain it in the Bill. However, I should make it clear that it is still my right honourable friend's intention to take into account the range of expertise that is suggested in the subsection when he comes to make appointments to the board. Amendment No. 2 is consequential. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That this House do agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(Lord Cameron of Lochbroom.)
§ Lord Elwyn-JonesMy Lords, in the absence of my noble friend Lord Morton of Shuna, I take upon myself the onerous responsibility of speaking on matters of Scottish law, which is always dangerous. However, I venture to think that there will not be much controversy at this stage of the proceedings. Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 seem to be sensible. The mixed bag—if I may so describe it—in subsection (4) was not very helpful. Indeed, it was extremely disturbing. I agree with what has been done in another place.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.