HC Deb 30 September 1909 vol 11 cc1547-8

(1) His Majesty may by Order in Council fix the fees payable in respect of licences for the importation of explosives granted by the Secretary of State under or in pursuance of the Explosives Act, 1875, and the fees so fixed shall be payable in respect of any licence so granted.

(2) Section twenty-six of the Explosives Act, 1875, so far as it gives power to the Secretary of State to fix the fees in respect of licences for the importation of explosives, or affects the amount of those fees, shall cease to have effect.

(3) His Majesty may by Order in Council revoke, alter, or add to any Order made under this section.

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

Mr. HAY

Why is this arrangement, which worked so well, to be altered.

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Under the Explosives Act of 1875 the Secretary of State for the Home Department may grant licences for the importation of explosives. During the year 1906 there were 154 licences, and the sum received was £154. The sum expended in the examination of the explosives was £326, and this is to enable the cost to be met by the Licence Duty.

Mr. HAY

This involves an extra charge?

Mr. HOBHOUSE

Yes; about £175 per year.

Mr. HARMOOD-BANNER moved to insert the following:—