HC Deb 26 August 1914 vol 66 cc93-100

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read a second time."—[Mr. Runciman.]

Mr. T. M. HEALY

I take it that this Bill is intended to apply to both Scotland and Ireland, but England alone is referred to. I should like to draw special attention to Clause 2, which provides for fixing the prices of the articles taken—

"by the arbitration of a judge of the High Court selected by the Lord Chief Justice of England."

Judging from these words, it would seem that this Act has no application either to Scotland or to Ireland. If it is intended to have any such application, why is the jurisdiction for the appointment of the arbitrator confined to the Lord Chief Justice of England? Of course, under the circumstances, if the Government press this provision, I shall not oppose it.

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I can assure the hon. and learned Gentleman that the phraseology adopted in this Clause has not been chosen with any idea of casting any slight on the Irish judiciary. The arrangement has been merely made in order that some impartial arbitrator may be appointed for the purpose of fixing the prices of articles which may have to be taken, and the only reason for appointing a judge of the High Court, selected by the Lord Chief Justice of England, was that it was thought it was the most convenient way of dealing with the situation. [An HON. MEMBER: "What about Scotland?"] All these matters come under the Board of Trade, which has jurisdiction in Scotland at the present time.

Question, "That the Bill be now read a second time," put, and agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Resolved, "That this House will immediately resolve itself into Committee on the Bill."—[Mr. Runciman.]

Bill accordingly considered in Committee.

[Mr. WHITLEY in the Chair.]

    cc94-6
  1. CLUSE 1.—(Power to Require Returns, etc.) 538 words
  2. cc96-100
  3. CLAUSE 2.—(Power to Take Possession of Articles Unreasonably Withheld.) 1,376 words