I beg to move amendment 671, in clause 129, page 102, line 41, leave out

“ending with the fifth working day after the day on which” and insert “of 48 hours after”.

With this it will be convenient to discuss amendment 672, in clause 129, page 102, line 41, leave out

“ending with the fifth working day after the day on which” and insert “of 24 hours after”.

Again, this is familiar territory. The clause deals with the approval of major modifications in urgent cases and we quarrel over the time that should be allowed for the steps to be taken. We advanced the same arguments earlier today and they have not changed— nor, I think, will the outcome. We advance the principle that five days is too long and it should be a shorter period. The Government do not accept that principle. We advance the same argument about this safeguard as we do throughout about the basket of safeguards.

As the hon. and learned Gentleman’s arguments are the same, my arguments, as he anticipates, are the same. Bearing in mind the sensitive nature of these matters, we do not want decisions to be rushed and, accordingly, we resist the amendment.

I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

The Committee divided:

Ayes 9, Noes 2.

Question accordingly agreed to.

Clause 129 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 130