HL Deb 18 July 1994 vol 557 cc36-7

34 Clause 62, page 32, line 43, at end insert:

'( ) A statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (3) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.'.

The Lord Chancellor

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 34.

This amendment makes orders made by the Lord Chancellor under the powers in Clause 62—the powers to amalgamate magistrates' courts committees—subject to the negative resolution procedure. The procedure applies whether the order has been initiated by the Lord Chancellor or by the magistrates' courts committees concerned. I consider it right, and part of the Lord Chancellor's accountability, that Parliament should have opportunity to scrutinise any proposals for the alteration of the boundaries of one or more magistrates' courts committee areas, whether they have been initiated by the Lord Chancellor or by the magistrates' courts committees concerned.

Your Lordships will remember that I was anxious, while preserving the power, to offer any safeguards that were available. This appears a good additional safeguard to add to those that were in the Bill when it passed through your Lordships' House. I commend the amendment to your Lordships' House.

Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 34.—(The Lord Chancellor.)

Lord Mottistone

My Lords, I thank my noble and learned friend for that further safeguard against a situation that may well arise. I welcome the amendment.

On Question, Motion agreed to.