HC Deb 13 April 1899 vol 69 cc1108-10

Amendment proposed— In page 3, line 13, to leave out the words 'in section 91 and.'"—(Mr. Caldwell.)

MR. CALDWELL () Lanark, Mid.

The power at present vested in the Secretary of State for War to determine the parish to which a soldier discharged in respect of lunacy should be chargeable is proposed by the Bill to be transferred to any officer who may be deputed for that particular purpose. Obviously, the power which it is proposed to be transferred is not a power which it is possible to depute to a subordinate officer. It has nothing whatever to do with any question of military discipline, and the question of domicile is entirely a civil question, information in respect of which can only be obtained through civil sources, and the Secretary of State for War should be retained in the clause. The liability of the parish to which a lunatic soldier should be chargeable is of a most extensive character, as it would involve the maintenance of that soldier during the remainder of his life should he remain a lunatic. The term "officer" which it is proposed to put in this Bill is a most comprehensive one. It is said in the Memorandum that the object of the Amendment of the Army Act contained in the clause to which I am referring is to enable the Secretary of State for War to depute to General Officers commanding districts the power of the Secretary of State to make orders for the transfer to workhouses and lunatic asylums of lunatic soldiers and their wives and families. But the Bill would enable this power to be deputed to any officer whom the Secretary of State may select. I move to omit these particular words from the clause, but as I have a number of other Amendments to propose on this clause, I appeal to the Leader of the House to postpone discussion on this Bill until some future occasion.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

As we did not commence the discussion of this Bill until a comparatively late hour, I admit that there is some argument in favour of choosing some other night, if possible. I understand from my honourable Friend that this Bill must pass, if the law is to be obeyed, by Thursday. On Monday, I believe, there is to be a Debate on an Education Question, which comes on after 12 o'clock, and I am afraid it may be of a lengthy character. I never like to commit the House to sit unduly late on Tuesdays, and therefore there only remains to-morrow. I am reluctant to put down Bills on Fridays, because if they are taken before 12 o'clock it interferes with the sanctity of the Friday rule. Perhaps the same objection does not apply to Bills which can be taken after 12 o'clock. If it is understood that the honourable Gentleman will assist us to pass the Bill to-morrow I shall be glad to put it off until then.

MR. CALDWELL

I quite recognise that the Bill has to pass, and I merely want to bring the points out. I will agree to the adjournment until to-morrow if to-morrow is the only suitable time.

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

I am afraid it is.

MR. COURTENAY WARNER () Stafford, Lichfield

Do I understand that the Bill will be put down as the first Government Order to-morrow?

THE FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY

The only Government Order after Supply.

Progress reported.