§ 170 Leave out Clause 49.
§ 171 Leave out Clause 50.
§ Lord Fraser of CarmyllieMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment Nos. 170 and 171. In moving these amendments I shall speak also to Amendments Nos. 172, 174 to 176, 182, 184, 230, 231, 233, 257, 258, 277 and 278.
1639 We completed our consideration of this Bill on 24th May this year, almost exactly six months ago. As has been observed, there was some difficulty when the Bill reached the Committee stage in another place. The Secretary of State for Scotland, while acknowledging that concern had been expressed about the need for adequate time to consider the Bill, said that the Government,
shared with honourable Members on both sides of the Committee a desire to ensure rational and sensible debate".In the event, initial progress on the Bill in Committee was such that the Secretary of State subsequently indicated that, while it was not the Government's intention to withdraw any part of the Bill, if it became clear that sufficient time would not be available to debate certain clauses, then the clauses would be deferred until a further opportunity for legislation arose. With agreement through the usual channels the clauses concerned were not moved in Committee.One important matter which was contained in Clause 50(2) of the Bill when it left your Lordships' House can now be found at Amendment No. 231. This puts beyond doubt the powers of the court when dealing with fine defaulters at a means enquiry court and Amendment No. 184 brings the provision into force immediately on Royal Assent. While the clauses which have been deferred would have been useful provisions, I do not think that the Bill has suffered by their delay. Other, arguably more useful, provisions have been added to the Bill.
Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendments Nos. 170 and 171. -(Lord Fraser of Carmyllie.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.