§ Considered, as amended (in the Standing Committee).
Sir HENRY DALZIELI understand that the Government are prepared to consent to the passage of this Bill, but I should like, before it is passed, to ask the Home Secretary what the position would be in regard to a private Bill being introduced extending the advantage of this measure to Scotland? If the right hon. Gentleman can make a statement which is friendly to that proposal, then so far as I am concerned I have nothing more to say.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Churchill)When the Bill was in Grand Committee I made a statement of the view the Government took on the question of Scotland. We think that is a matter primarily for Scottish Members. If there is a general opinion among the Scottish members favourable to the application of the same principle to Scotland, the Government will certainly show the same spirit of benevolent support to that proposal as they have done to the hon. Gentleman who has put forward this Bill. But it is essentially a matter for the Scottish Grand Committee, and I do not think it ought to be dealt with as part of the England and Wales Bill. Other police legislation has always been separate between the two countries. It is entirely a question for the Scottish Members. I certainly should be very glad to give my support to such a 581 measure if it were put forward, and really supported by the mass of Scottish opinion, as represented by their elected representatives. With regard to the Bill in general the hon. Gentleman (Mr. Remnant) has very fairly met all the wishes of the Government, and I shall myself be very glad to support it.
Sir H. DALZIELThere was a general understanding that hon. Members opposite would not oppose the Scottish view, and so far as I am concerned I shall not oppose theirs in this matter.
§ Mr. REMNANTmoved, "That the Bill be now read the third time."
§ Motion agreed to.
§ Bill read the third time, and passed.