Government of Wales Bill — Grants to Assembly — 3 Feb 1998

Considered in Committee [Progress, 2 February].

I beg to move amendment No. 387, in page 38, line 28, leave out from 'Parliament' to end of line 29.

The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr. Michael Lord):

With this, it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments: No. 369, in page 38, line 29, at end insert

That is hardly an assurance. There is no definition of "from time to time", whether it means an annual, monthly or five-yearly payment. There is no description of the amounts and no criteria for calculating them. There is even no identification of which Secretary of State is being talked about, because under the Bill it could mean any relevant Secretary of State. Whichever Secretary of State it is, the only thing that is certain is that the determination is not bound in any way but is entirely at his discretion.

There is no reference to the Secretary of State providing according to needs, to the Barnett formula or to anything else.

I beg to move amendment No. 15, in page 38, line 32, at end insert--

'(3) The Secretary of State shall receive representations and consult interested parties, including the Assembly, as to payments made under this section.'.

Question put, That the amendment be made:--

The Committee divided: Ayes 114, Noes 350.

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