HC Deb 06 August 1918 vol 109 cc1305-6

Order read for consideration of Lords Amendments.

The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. G. Roberts)

I beg to move, "That the Lords Amendments be now considered."

There are only two Amendments. The first is merely to tide over the transition period. Provisions had been inserted to safeguard the position of rates in limited operation at the commencement of the operation of the new Act and the position of rates already obligatory, but no provision had been made to meet the case of outstanding proposals. This Amendment, in dealing with cases in which a trade board has given notice of a proposal before the date of the commencement of the Bill, but in which there has not been time to act, does repair an omission, and, though it is a small point, it is a good one, and we recommend that the Lords Amendment should be accepted. The second Amendment is in redemption of an undertaking which I gave on the Report stage, and is intended to meet the case raised by the hon. Member for the Brentford Division (Mr. Joynson-Hicks) regarding the contributions to superannuation and other provident funds that may be deducted from wages under an Act of Parliament. It will be remembered that under the Bill the only deductions admissible were those made under the National Insurance Act, 1911, and as amended by any subsequent enactments. The hon. and gallant Gentleman pointed out that there were certain statutory authorities that had powers to make deductions in respect of superannuation and other provident funds. I had to make the admission that I was not aware of the circumstances, but I promised to make inquiries and give consideration to the point, and as the result we put down this Amendment in the House of Lords. Those are the only two points. I think we may commend them to the consideration of the House, and recommend that they be accepted.

Question put, and agreed to.

Lords Amendments accordingly considered.