In section 100D of the M1Local Government Act 1972 (inspection of background papers) for subsection (1) there is substituted—

“(1)

Subject, in the case of section 100C(1), to subsection (2) below, if and so long as copies of the whole or part of a report for a meeting of a principal council are required by section 100B(1) or 100C(1) above to be open to inspection by members of the public—

(a)

those copies shall each include a copy of a list, compiled by the proper officer, of the background papers for the report or the part of the report, and

(b)

at least one copy of each of the documents included in that list shall also be open to inspection at the offices of the council.”

In section 100K of the M2Local Government Act 1972 (interpretation and application of Part VA), after subsection (2) there is inserted—

“(3)

The Secretary of State may by order amend sections 100A(6)(a) and 100B(3) and (4)(a) above so as to substitute for each reference to three clear days such greater number of days as may be specified in the order.

(4)

Any statutory instrument containing an order under subsection (3) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

In Schedule 12 to that Act (meetings and proceedings of local authorities), after paragraph 4 there is inserted—

“4A

(1)

The Secretary of State may by order amend paragraph 4(2) above so as to substitute for the reference to three clear days such greater number of days as may be specified in the order.

(2)

Any statutory instrument containing an order under sub-paragraph (1) above shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”