Clause 21

by inserting, immediately after the word “period” in subsection (1)(i), the words “or, where the addition of votes at the principal counting place is temporarily suspended under subsection (1A), a further period”; and

by inserting, immediately after subsection (1), the following subsection:“(1A) Before making a decision under paragraph (i) or (ii) of subsection (1), the Returning Officer may temporarily suspend the addition of votes at the principal counting place mentioned in that subsection for a period not exceeding 2 hours for the purpose of determining the decision to be made under either of those paragraphs.”.