Mr John Greenway (Ryedale, Conservative)

I beg to move amendment No. 6, in

clause 4, page 2, line 37, at end insert—

'( ) This Act extends to England and Wales only.'.

Mr Eric Illsley (Barnsley Central, Labour)

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following:

New clause 1—Wales—

'(1) The reference to the Weeds Act 1959 (c.54) in Schedule 1 to the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/ 672) is to be treated as referring to that Act as amended by this Act.

(2) Subsection (1) does not affect the power to make further Orders varying or omitting that reference.'.

Mr John Greenway (Ryedale, Conservative)

The amendment and new clause make it clear that the Bill applies only to England and Wales, although I hope that the Scottish Parliament will take note of what we have done and introduce a comparable measure in due course. I hope to visit Perth race course later this month—not, sadly, for a race meeting, but to speak at a dinner. On the assumption that we make progress today, I can say that I shall spread the word, not the ragwort.

Mr Alun Michael (Minister of State (Rural Affairs), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Cardiff South & Penarth, Labour/Co-operative)

May I simply confirm that the hon. Gentleman is right about the impact of the amendment, as the Bill will have effect only in England and Wales. The amendment does not affect the possibility of a similar measure being introduced in Scotland if that is the wish of those with responsibility for such matters there.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 4, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.