HL Deb 11 July 1988 vol 499 cc697-8

9.49 p.m.

Lord Hesketh

My Lords, I beg to move.

Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 14th June be approved [29th Report from the Joint Committee].—(Lord Hesketh.)

The Deputy Speaker

My Lords, the Question is that this Motion be agreed to?

Lord Northfield

My Lords, on this Motion I believe that we are entitled to a little more explanation. When the noble Lord hared through the brief he said, when we tried to discuss this in one group, that nuclear power stations are included here, and that preparations were being made to bring the English regulations into line. Can he expand on that? Why is it not possible to put the nuclear power stations issue firmly into both orders, as should have been done in the first place?

Lord Denham

My Lords, I hope that the noble Lord will forgive me. We have had a slightly unusual procedure. Could we not just put the Motions as they are on the Order Paper?

Lord Northfield

My Lords, we are putting the Motions. As we have not had full answers in trying to debate these Motions together, I am afraid that issues arise individually on some of these orders. I have another matter to raise because the noble Lord did not deal with it, concerning the drainage of land, when we come to the drainage regulations. I have not yet put that point and I should like to be able to put it. I should be grateful for a reply.

Lord Hesketh

My Lords, the Department of the Environment regulations cover only matters subject to planning control. Scottish regulations also cover applications for consent under the electricity Acts. Separate regulations for projects approved under the electricity Acts of England and Wales will be brought forward shortly and will cover nuclear power stations.

Lord Northfield

My Lords, why are they not in—

Lord Denham

My Lords, we must get back to order here. It is the normal position that if orders are taken together they are debated together. We have had a slightly unusual Division called: Tellers were not appointed. I hope that the noble Lord, Lord Northfield, will not carry on with this.

Lord Northfield

My Lords, I hope we can have some answers.

On Question, Motion agreed to.