HC Deb 28 March 1890 vol 343 cc266-7

Considered in Committee.

(In the Committee.)

Clause 19.

*(12.19.) THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE,) Tower Hamlets, St. George's

I regret I was not in the House when this Bill came on last night. I understand that objection was raised to its being proceeded with in consequence of a fear on the part of some hon. Members that power would be given to the Local Government Board to approve the inclusion of certain diseases which are contagious in their character in the operation of this Bill. A similar question was raised last year, and I was then successful in assuring hon. Members that the word infectious distinctly excluded such diseases. I may say that my opinion is fortified by that of the Law Officers of the Crown. If, after consultation, hon. Gentlemen still think it necessary to expressly provide against this contingency, I will undertake to introduce the necessary words in the Interpretation Clause on the Report stage.

Clause agreed to.

Clause 20.

(12.21.) DR. TANNER (Cork, Mid)

I desire to bring an important point arising out of this clause under the attention of the Committee. This clause provides that where the Act is put in force in any district in which a Local Act containing a similar provision is in force, such last-mentioned provision shall cease to be in operation. Now, I consider that to be altogether superfluous, and I propose to move that this clause be expunged, and that the Act shall not be put in force in any district in which similar provisions are enforced under a Local Act.

Amendment proposed, "That Clause 20 be omitted."

Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

*(12.22.) MR. RITCHIE

If the hon. Gentleman will be good enough to scan Clause 20 carefully he will find that if the provisions of this Act are by a Local Act enforced in any particular district this Act shall not apply.

(12.23.) DR TANNER

My point is that this clause is superfluous. Surely every district is the best authority to decide what are its own requirements. I will appeal to my hon. Friend the Member for West Belfast to say if he thinks it judicious the clause should pass in its present form.

(12.24.) MR. SEXTON (Belfast, W.)

I think the assurances we have received from the hon. Gentleman in charge of this Bill are satisfactory.

DR. TANNER

Very well. In deference to my hon. Friend's superior judgment I withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause agreed to.

Remaining clauses agreed to.

Bill, as amended, to be considered upon Monday 14th April, and to be printed. [Bill 210.]