Clause 372 - Monitoring role for OFT
Communications Bill
4:45 pm

Mr John Whittingdale (Maldon and East Chelmsford, Conservative)

I beg to move amendment No. 479, in

clause 372, page 318, line 13, after 'operation,' insert 'in relation'.

You almost deprived me of my moment of glory, Mr. Atkinson. I am delighted to move this amendment and I am optimistic about its chances.

The Bill does not make sense as currently drafted. It states:

''with a view to carrying out a detailed analysis in each case of the operation to that case of the consideration specified in section 58''.

At best, that is poor English. In the interests of good drafting, we propose to amend the clause to read ''in relation'' to that case. I shall sit down and await my moment of glory from the Minister.

Mr Stephen Timms (Minister of State (e-Commerce & Competitiveness), Department of Trade and Industry; East Ham, Labour)

I am slightly hurt, because the current wording does work. However, the hon. Gentleman's proposal also works. We have considered the matter carefully and, on balance, the wording he proposes

reads better. I am therefore happy to accept the amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

It being Five o'clock, The Chairman proceeded, pursuant to Sessional Order C relating to Programming [29 October 2002] and the Order of the Committee [10 December 2002], to put forthwith the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that time.

Clause 372, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 373 to 375 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule 16 agreed to.

Further consideration adjourned.—[Mr. Jim Murphy.]

Adjourned accordingly at Five o'clock till Thursday 6 February at five minutes to Nine o'clock.