Utilities Bill — 19 Apr 2000

As amended in the Standing Committee, considered.

I beg to move,

That the Bill be re-committed to the former Committee.

the Government intends to bring forward amendments later in the passage of the Bill

We do not have any comments on the new clauses and schedules at this stage other than to say that it is completely unsatisfactory to have significant amendments with far-reaching implications being laid at this stage in the parliamentary process. We will be working up our position on these amendments during the coming week.

They have been brought forward in a piecemeal way and have not been the subject of any industry consultation.

I will undertake during the Committee's deliberations to have a check made on the number of amendments that are likely to be tabled and on what issues.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee A , Tuesday 4 April 2000; c. 667.]

Question put :--

The House divided: Ayes 137, Noes 282.

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