Enterprise Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 12:45 pm ar 7 Mai 2002.
The clause returns to a matter that was discussed earlier under clause 123. It would be helpful if the Under-Secretary gave an update on the publication of general advice. When the matter was last discussed, Opposition Members were concerned that the guidance had not been published with the Bill so that the Committee could consider the situation in the round. It would be helpful if the Under-Secretary updated the Committee on the progress of the guidance.
Advice and information will be available before commencement of the market provisions in the Bill—before 1 May 2003. The OFT and the Competition Commission will want to publish their guidance four months before the new regime is brought into force because that is in line with Government best practice. In addition, both authorities intend to consult on the guidance material. I hope that that reassures the hon. Gentleman.
I thank the Under-Secretary, but due to the speed at which she read her brief, I could not go through the dates in my head. Will the guidance be available before Third Reading?
No, it will not. I said that it would be available before 1 May 2003. I cannot prejudice the time scales of the House and another place, but I do not believe that it will be available before Third Reading.
Does the Under-Secretary not believe that it would be appropriate and helpful to all concerned if the Committee or the House were able to see the guidance before Third Reading, so that we could consider the nitty-gritty implications before the Bill goes to another place?
There may be issues about consulting in advance of Royal Assent and making an assumption about the passage of the Bill. I hope that it will reach the statute book, but I cannot say that for the reasons given. There will be appropriate
consultation, it will be published and a proper timetable will be adopted which will enable people to know exactly what is envisaged before commencement of the market provisions. That meets the needs of the case.
It being One o'clock, The Chairman adjourned the Committee without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.
Adjourned till this day at half-past Four o'clock.