Clause 15 - Orders and Regulations

High Hedges (No. 2) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 3:00 pm on 7 May 2003.

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Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Photo of Steve Pound Steve Pound Labour, Ealing North

As we have gone through the Bill, I have identified several areas where the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales has powers to make regulations. The clause sets out the parliamentary procedures that they must follow when exercising those powers.

Two types of regulations can be made under the Bill. The ones we have come across so far are about detailed procedural matters, such as dealing with appeals. As I indicated previously, those will be subject to the negative resolution procedure. I have been assured by the Minister that the Government will consult on them beforehand.

The second set of regulations, which will be made under clauses 18 to 20, will allow the Secretary of State or the National Assembly for Wales to amend certain provisions of the Bill. Any proposal to allow primary legislation to be amended through regulations is always a sensitive matter. The Bill therefore requires that regulations made under those clauses must be debated in both Houses of Parliament, under the affirmative resolution procedure.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 15 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 16 to 23 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Question proposed, That the Chairman do report the Bill to the House.

Photo of Peter Atkinson Peter Atkinson Conservative, Hexham

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his expeditious dealings.

Photo of Steve Pound Steve Pound Labour, Ealing North

Thank you, Mr. Atkinson, for conducting the orchestra so well.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill to be reported, without amendment.

Committee rose at nine minutes past Three o'clock.