Hansard

Power To Require Referendum

Volume 609: debated on Tuesday 1 February 2000

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(".—(1) The Secretary of State may by order make provision requiring every local authority, or every local authority falling within any description of authority specified in the order, to hold a referendum on whether they should operate executive arrangements involving an executive which takes such form permitted by or under section 10 as may be specified in the order.

(2) The provision which may be made by an order under this section includes provision—

  • (a) as to the date on which, or the time by which, a referendum must be held.
  • (b) as to the action which may, may not or must be taken by a local authority before or in connection with a referendum,
  • (c) as to the action which may, may not or must be taken by a local authority after a referendum,
  • (d) for or in connection with enabling the Secretary of State, in the event of any failure by a local authority to take any action permitted or required by virtue of the order, to take that action.

    • (3) The provision which may be made by virtue of subsection (2) includes provision which applies or reproduces (with or without modifications) any provisions of sections 18, 19, 20 or ( Operation of alternative arrangements).

    (4) Nothing in subsection (2) or (3) affects the generality of the power under subsection (1).").

    The noble Lord said: I beg to move.

    [ Amendment No. 236A, as an amendment to Amendment No. 236, not moved.]

    Amendment No. 236 agreed to.

    Lord Whitty

    moved Amendment No. 237:

    After Clause 23, insert the following new clause—