HL Deb 17 November 2004 vol 666 cc1551-2

416 Clause 274, page 207, line 26, after "payments" insert "entirely from public funds with no charges, levies or contributions to be made by the private sector"

416A The Commons disagree with the Lords in their amendment but propose the following amendment in lieu—

Page 209, line 5, at end insert—

"(4A) Regulations under subsection (1) may not make provision for the imposition of a levy or charge on any person for the purpose of funding, directly or indirectly, the financial assistance scheme."

Baroness Hollis of Heigham

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do not insist on its Amendment No. 416 to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 416A in lieu thereof.

There is no difference between us on this issue. The Government have always made it clear that we have no plans to fund the financial assistance scheme through a compulsory levy or charge on the private sector. When the noble Lord, Lord Oakeshott, asked me about the matter I gave my assurances and he courteously accepted them. However, noble Lords wanted the provision included in the Bill by virtue of an amendment.

Although we accept the spirit of the amendment, in the Commons yesterday my colleague moved a new amendment to stand in lieu of the one agreed here on Report. It makes it explicit that regulations made under Clause 287 may not impose a levy or charge on anybody for the funding of the financial assistance scheme. However, the amendment does not rule out voluntary contributions to the fund. That is the only difference. I cannot see how noble Lords could object to such a scenario, however far-fetched they try to tell us it might be—I suspect that that will be their line. I hope that, as a result, noble Lords will be content with Amendment No. 416A and support the reasoning of the other place.

Moved, That the House do not insist on its Amendment No. 416 to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 416A in lieu thereof.—(Baroness Hollis of Heigham.)

Lord Higgins

My Lords, we are content.

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

My Lords, so are we. We were content in Grand Committee and we are content now.

On Question, Motion agreed to.