§ 97 Clause 55, page 29, line 41, at end insert ("; but a commission area may not consist of an area partly within and partly outside Greater London.")
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 97. With the leave of the House, I shall speak also to Amendments Nos. 101 to 113 inclusive, 183 to 193 inclusive, 197, 203, 204, 207, 221, 222, 224 to 227 inclusive, and 231.
These government amendments all provide: for the establishment of the Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority, replacing the existing 22 magistrates' courts committees as the magistrates' courts committee for Greater London.
The provisions for the new authority broadly mirror those in place for all other magistrates' courts committees in England and Wales. Some of the amendments provide for arrangements that differ from the existing national framework in order to accommodate the particular circumstances in London. The more significant of these are: Amendment No. 108, which requires the Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority, rather than the local authorities, to provide accommodation, goods and services; and Amendment No. 207, which provides for the transfer of property from the local authorities to the Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority. The remainder of these amendments cover the detail of the functional, financial and transitional arrangements necessary for establishing the Greater London Magistrates' Courts Authority and make consequential changes to other Acts. I commend the amendments to the House.
§ Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 97.—(Lord Falconer of Thoroton.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.