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Housing and Regeneration Bill

We come to the final group, which is made up of technical and minor amendments. I want to draw the House's attention to several of them, not least because the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield always smiles when I mention the phrase ““minor and technical””. Lords amendments Nos. 206, 210, 213 and 214 give effect to a recommendation made by the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee in its report on the Housing and Regeneration Bill. The recommendation relates to the power provided by clause 319 to make consequential amendments. Our original intention was that all orders made using the power should be subject to the affirmative procedure. However, the Committee's view was that that procedure was only necessary when an Act was being amended. We agreed with the Committee's conclusion and the amendments will implement it. Lords amendments Nos. 216 and 219 make it clear that orders made under part 4 of the Bill can extend to the whole of the United Kingdom. By amending the Bill in that way, the necessary consequential or transitional provisions can be drafted to achieve their intended effect. Lords amendments Nos. 217 and 218 relate to the territorial extent of the Bill. Generally, as the House will be aware, the Bill extends to England and Wales. However, some of the consequential amendments made under the Bill will amend legislation that also extends to Scotland. The amendments will ensure that these consequential amendments apply only in England and Wales. I hope that the House will be content with the amendments. Although they are minor, they are crucial to ensuring that the Bill works in practice. All that is left for me to do now is wish my daughter Hattie a very happy sixth birthday. [Hon. Members: ““Hear, hear.””] I am grateful to the House for that reaction.