HC Deb 26 July 1918 vol 108 cc2213-4

Where the Board of Trade is desirous of obtaining information as to the character of a business which is being carried on in this country and ascertaining whether such business is one to which the principal Act or this Act applies, the High Court or a judge thereof may, upon a summary application by the Board, make an Order directing any person to appear as a witness before the Board or any advisory committee appointed by the Board and to give evidence on oath before the Board or such advisory committee and to produce any documents which the High Court or the judge may think proper.—[Sir J. Butcher.]

Brought up, and read the first time.

Sir J. BUTCHER

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a second time."

I move this Clause to give the power suggested to the Board of Trade or the Advisory Committee appointed by the Board. The Advisory Committee in the past has had considerable difficulty in determining whether a business falls under the description of a business contained in the Act of 1916, which the Board of Trade is empowered to wind up. At present they have no power to summon any witnesses, or to call for documents. That has hampered them very much in finding out the real character of the businesses submitted to them for consideration. I am informed by those who have practical experience of this Advisory Committee that it would be a very great help if they had powers of this sort. As my right hon. Friend will see, in order to exercise this power of summoning witnesses, they have to go to the Court and say, We want this witness or that document, and, of course, the Court would not summon that witness or order such and such a document unless it was shown to be necessary. Therefore, the interests of anyone affected would not be prejudiced in any way because the Court would have to make an Order.

Sir A. STANLEY

I accept this new Clause.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause accordingly read a second time, and added to the Bill.