HC Deb 24 February 1921 vol 138 cc1268-9

  1. (1) It shall be lawful for any association to make any such amendments in the instrument governing its constitution as may be necessary for the purpose of enabling the association to become an association with which the Minister may make an arrangement under Section seventeen of the principal Act, and if the instrument regulating the constitution of the association contains provisions requiring any interval of time to elapse before any action can be taken that provision shall not apply to action taken for the purpose aforesaid.
  2. (2) In this Section the expression "instrument" includes any Act, memorandum, articles of association, trust deeds, or rules.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I beg to move, in Sub-section (1), after the word "Act" to insert the words "or for the purpose of enabling the association to include any class of its members within the scope of such an arrangement."

This is the first of a series of Amendments on this Clause, the object being to make the effect of the Clause clear in two respects. I wish to make it clear by the Amendment that the rules which an association may make may include that of bringing a branch of its members within the scope of Section 17 of the principal Act, and to make it clear that, in order to take advantage of the Clause, a general meeting of the association is not essential, but that a Council or other governing body of the association may take action. This will avoid the slow process of a delegate meeting, which would defeat the object of the Clause. These Amendments are all in the interest of the smooth working of the machinery.

Mr. TYSON WILSON

The Amendment would almost make the Clause read as if to include any association not included in the principal Act.

Dr. MACNAMARA

No.

Mr. WILSON

I am sorry the right hon. Gentleman has not taken this opportunity of eliminating societies refusing to operate the Act. I think we ought to have it made perfectly clear that this Amendment will not include any association whether included in the Act or not.

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am not extending the scope of the principal Act. My hon. Friend knows quite well those who are to become our agents. I am not going beyond that at all. If there is any doubt about that matter I will have it looked into, and the proper correction made in another place.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In Subsection (1), leave out the words "that provision" ["that provision shall not Apply to action"], and insert instead thereof the words "or any amendment of the instrument can take effect, those provisions."

At the end of Sub-section (l) insert (2) The powers by this Section conferred on an association may, notwithstanding anything in the instrument governing the constitution of the association, be exercised by the council or other governing body of the association." [Dr. Macnamara.]

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.