HL Deb 20 October 1998 vol 593 c1377

30 Clause 50, page 25, leave out lines 32 and 33.

Lord Simon of Highbury

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 30. In doing so, I shall speak also to Amendments Nos. 31 to 33 and 62 to 73. These are all minor or technical amendments intended to enhance the efficient and effective operation of appeals under the Bill. The main substantive amendments are Amendments Nos. 64 and 71.

Amendment No. 64 replaces the power of the tribunal to "reverse" the decisions of the director with the power to "set aside" such decisions. We concluded that this change was merited in light of our consultations on the Bill.

Lord Fraser of Carmyllie

My Lords, perhaps I may interrupt the noble Lord and say that we are powerfully persuaded by the arguments that lay behind these amendments.

Lord Simon of Highbury

My Lords, I was about to say that the change was made in light also of the amendment tabled by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Fraser, and the noble Lord, Lord Kingsland, on Report which proposed that the tribunal should have the power to quash decisions.

Amendment No. 71 makes it an offence to fail. I should draw attention to Amendment No. 70, because it includes aspects of the appeals procedure. Amendments Nos. 63, 65 and 67 respond to points made by the noble and learned Lord, Lord Fraser, at Third Reading, and the noble Lord, Lord Kingsland, in Committee.

Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 30.—(Lord Simon of Highbury.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.