Rock Bill

[webofevil]

For all that the debate about the nationalisation of Northern Rock is going to be omnipresent and deeply tedious in the short term—especially, I submit, for those who have to transcribe the ongoing fracas in Parliament about it—there is still some small whimsical enjoyment to be had from headlines such as “Rock bill before Parliament”.

Clause 1 – Readiness to rock

(1) The Secretary of State may order that a designated person’s hands be placed in the air in accordance with regulations under Schedule 3 and –

(a) waved to indicate that the designated person does not care;

(b) shaped to resemble a pair of horns; or

(c) generally signify, in any reasonable way the Secretary of State deems suitable, the designated person’s predisposition to rock out.

Etc.

Comments

[strictlytrue.livejournal.com]

I'm going to have to table an amendment:

In clause 1, pg 1, line 5, delete "deems suitable" and insert "may deem suitable, by order"

[webofevil.livejournal.com]

We have debated many times before the role of the Secretary of State in infusing a crowd with the spirit of ROCK, and I have no intention of allowing myself once more to be sucked around that circuit. We do not see the need to be overly prescriptive in primary legislation, as we are concerned that this would impact our broader policy commitments to soul, techno, new rave and crunk, to name but some. I am also sure the hon. Gentleman would not want to see a weighty burden coming on to the face of the Bill. Suffice it to say that I hear the hon. Gentleman’s concerns but I do not think they are warranted; I draw his attention to the provisions in Clause 10, “Going Crazy Apeshit”. I hope he will feel able to withdraw his amendment.

[strictlytrue.livejournal.com]

Given the Minister's assurances, I shall, for the moment, not seek to press my amendment to a Division, but I may seek to return to the matter when the Bill reaches Report stage. I beg to ask leave etc.

[lowlowprices.livejournal.com]

Order. It is not a matter of whether the hon. Gentleman will, hon. Gentleman will, rock me.