Amendments made: No. 148, in

clause 24, page 11, line 1, leave out from 'section' to end of line 6 and insert—

'(a) no regulations may be made increasing the basic amount unless—

(i) the Secretary of State is satisfied that the increase is no greater than is required to maintain the value of the amount in real terms, or

(ii) a draft of the regulations has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament, and

(b) no regulations may be made increasing the higher amount unless—

(i) the Secretary of State is satisfied that the increase is no greater than is required to maintain the value of the amount in real terms, or

(ii) a draft of the regulations has been laid before each House of Parliament and has been approved after 1st January 2010 by a resolution of each House of Parliament.'

No. 149, in

clause 24, page 11, line 7, leave out '(2)(a)' and insert '(2)(a)(i) and (b)(i)'.—[Alan Johnson.]

Motion made, and Question put, That clause 24, as amended, and clauses 25 to 29 stand part of the Bill, and that schedule 5 be the Fifth schedule to the Bill:—

The Committee divided: Ayes 13, Noes 9.

Clause 24, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 25 to 29 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule 5 agreed to.

Further consideration adjourned.—[Derek Twigg.]

Adjourned accordingly at six minutes past Eight o'clock till Thursday 4 March at ten minutes past Nine o'clock.