HC Deb 22 July 1918 vol 108 cc1606-7

(1) This Act may be cited as the Statutory Undertakings (Temporary Increase of Charges) Act, 1918.

(2) This Act shall have effect during the continuance of the present War and for a period of two years thereafter, and no longer.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

I beg to move, in Sub-section (2), to leave out the word "two" ["for a period of two years thereafter"], and to insert instead thereof the word "one."

This is called a "temporary" measure. I suggest that one year is more temporary than two.

Sir A. STANLEY

I hope the hon. Member will not press the Amendment. It may be that two years would be too long a period. On the other hand, it might be that one year would be too short. I think it will be necessary for the Government of that day to deal with the question of establishing a new basis for determining the sliding scale in respect of gas undertakings and the whole question of charges by statutory undertakings after the War, but whether that period will be one or two years after the War would, I think, be very difficult for anyone to prophesy. If two years is too long there can be no harm in leaving it in, as the Government will have to bring in a Bill in any event, while, if we reduce it to one year, we might find it necessary to bring in a Bill extending the time.

Mr. PENNEFATHER

If the Bill passes with two years there is no means of reducing it, but if it passes with one year in it will be possible to extend it. However, I do not wish to press the right hon. Gentleman at this point, but I would ask him to consider this between now and the Report stage.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

The CHAIRMAN

The new Clauses on the Paper are outside the scope of the Bill.

Mr. WATT

I understand the Scottish Office has agreed to bring in a measure to carry out the intentions of these two Clauses this Session. I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman will say "Yes" to that.

The CHAIRMAN

It would not be in order to do that now.

Bill reported; as amended to be considered upon Wednesday.