Lords amendment: No. 48, in page 31, leave out lines 23 and 24 and insert—

"(3) An order under subsection (1) must relate to a single year and must be

made at least six months before—

(a) the local election day in that year, or

(b) if earlier, the date of the poll at the European Parliamentary general election in that year.

(3A) For this purpose "the local election day" in a particular year is—

(a) the first Thursday in May, or

(b) if an order has been made under section 37(1)(b) (power to change date of council and Assembly elections) in relation to that year, the day specified in the order."

Amendment proposed to the Lords amendment: (a), leave out 'six' and insert 'twelve'.— [ Alistair Burt.]

Question put, That the amendment to the Lords amendment be made:—

The House divided: Ayes 205, Noes 283.

Question accordingly negatived.

Lords amendment agreed to.

Lords amendments Nos. 49 to 51 agreed to.