Mr Edward O'Hara (Knowsley South, Labour)

I welcome the Committee back. Before we commence, I shall make a statement about amendment No. 14 to schedule 13. The Government amendment to amendment No. 14 was tabled yesterday, so it is starred. On behalf of all the Chairmen, Dr. Clark made the usual pronouncement about starred amendments at the beginning of the Committee's proceedings, but there are exceptional circumstances in this case.

The background is that the Government have realised that the amendment tabled by the Opposition makes a reasonable point. However, the second part of that amendment is technically defective, and the amendment to the amendment would correct the defect. On behalf of my co-Chairmen, I assume that the Opposition would like to see their amendment made, even if it has to be modified. Although I am not in general minded to depart from the normal rules about starred amendments, in these particular circumstances, I am minded to call the amendment to the amendment, and will institute the appropriate procedure when we come to it. I am making this statement now, because members of the Committee might wish to digest the import of it before we get to that point.

Mr Richard Ottaway (Croydon South, Conservative)

On a point of order, Mr. O'Hara, have you had a request from the Economic Secretary to correct the record from last week? I pointed out that Britain had slipped from 15th to 19th position in the competitiveness league, to which she replied:

``That is a ridiculous assertion.'' —[Official Report, Standing Committee A, 26 April 2001; c. 66.]

I have brought with me the press release from the International Institute for Management Development, which confirms that we have slipped to 19th position in the competitiveness league—just above Estonia, which is in 22nd place. Obviously, the Minister will want to correct the record to reflect that point.

Mr Edward O'Hara (Knowsley South, Labour)

I am not sure whether that is a point of order. It is a matter of comment on the record, and if the Minister present wishes to address it, he may do so when the opportunity arises. I do not propose to delay the proceedings of the Committee on that point. Clause 57 Mileage allowances: exemptions and relief