UK Parliament / Open data

Saving Gateway Accounts Bill

I have considerable sympathy with the spirit behind the amendment; I am not sure if the words are absolutely right, but that is not to say that they are not. The argument for having regulation-making powers is that the provision covered by regulation will change. It is very difficult to change primary legislation, whereas you can easily change secondary legislation. I cannot for the life of me see why eligibility in terms of a link with the UK will change. Whatever the definition is now will surely be the same definition in five years’ time, or for however long we expect the Bill to be in operation. Can the Minister explain why the Government feel that they need the flexibility, which is the only reason why regulations should be preferred to primary legislation.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

709 c313-4GC 

Session

2008-09

Chamber / Committee

House of Lords Grand Committee
Back to top