Greater London Authority (Referendum) Bill — Referendum — 11 Feb 1998

Lords amendments considered.

Lords amendment: No. 1, in page 1, line 8, after ("prescribe,") insert

("but not less than eight weeks after publication of a Bill providing for the establishment of a Greater London Authority and the election of a mayor for Greater London,")

I beg to move, That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said amendment.

I am disappointed that the Bill has had to return to the House. Let me make one point crystal clear: the amendments carried in another place are wrecking amendments. The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats have revealed their true colours. They are embarrassed to admit their open opposition to the Government's plans for a new Greater London authority comprising a directly elected mayor and a separately elected assembly, because they know that this measure is hugely popular with the people of London.

Instead, they have done their utmost to wreck the Bill and delay the referendum. Most disreputably, they have depended on the votes of hereditary peers--who have never had to face an election--to carry amendments that threaten to delay or disrupt the Government's plans to restore democratic citywide government to the people of London.

Mr. Peter Brooke (Cities of London and Westminster):

Does the Minister acknowledge that any hereditary peer can stand, and be elected, in a local government election?

It being Ten o'clock, the debate stood adjourned.

Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Standing Order No. 15 (Exempted business),

That, at this day's sitting, Consideration of Lords Amendments to the Greater London Authority (Referendum) Bill may be proceeded with, though opposed, until any hour.-- [Mr. Graham Allen.]

Question agreed to.

Question again proposed, That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said amendment.

Under that, it says:

"Barry"--

Question put , That the Question be now put:--

The House divided: Ayes 347, Noes 105.

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