HC Deb 23 November 1920 vol 135 cc188-9

The Committee of Selection shall select and propose to the House the names of not more than 15 Members to form the Parliamentary Panel of Members of this House to act as Commissioners under the Procedure Act.

The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS (Mr. Whitley)

I beg to move, to leave out "15," and insert instead thereof "25."

Standing Order 253 refers to the appointment of Commissioners under the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act. Under this Order the Committee of Selection is instructed to form a panel of not more than 15 Members to serve on Commissions in Scotland to deal with Private Bills. It has been found by experience that 15 is rather too limited a number. It has been found frequently that a number of the Members on that panel are disqualified, by reason of interest through their constituencies, from serving on particular Commissions, and it is thought that it would be wise to increase the number from 15 to 25. I hope also, by means of this Amendment, to increase the number of Members who will be interested in the efficient working of the Private Legislation Procedure (Scotland) Act.

Amendment agreed to.