UK Parliament / Open data

Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill [HL]

Of course, Welsh Ministers might make the decisions with regard to England as well. I have to confess that I am defending this Bill as a Welshman, so if the noble Lord is going to be as aggressive as that, we will have to change our whole structure. However, I understand what he is saying. He is referring to the devolved Administrations, but if the noble Lord is saying that anyone of Welsh descent cannot participate in issues relating to English legislation, I have to say that we will be reaching a new constitutional arrangement. I am sure he is not saying that. As I said, under the devolved model set out in the Bill, it will be for the respective Administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to determine the priorities for distributing the dormant account money that will apply in their countries. However, they will clearly do so within the broad framework of the Bill. That is why these amendments are unnecessary, and I can allay the fears expressed on the other side of the Committee. Clause 15(1) already sets out that Big can only distribute money for expenditure that has a social or environmental purpose. The order-making powers in Clauses 18 to 20 allow the devolved Administrations to restrict the purposes for which, and the persons to whom, Big can distribute dormant account money but they do so within that overall definition. Therefore, I hope that the noble Lord will recognise that his amendment is not necessary.
Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
697 c501GC 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
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