HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2317-8

There shall be paid to the keeper of a victualling house for the accommodation provided by him in pursuance of the Army Act or the Air Force Act the prices specified in the Schedule to this Act,

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. HOGGE

This Clause raises a considerable number of anomalies. The real gist of the Clause is in the Schedule dealing with the meals provided for the soldier when he is billeted in what is described as a victualling house. Some of the payments seem open to question. For instance, if soldiers lodge and receive attendance, the charge is 10d. per night for the first soldier, and 8d. per night for each additional soldier.

The CHAIRMAN

The question here is whether there should be a schedule of fixed charges or not. Any question of detail ought to come upon the Schedule.

Mr. HOGGE

With respect, Sir, the Clause says: There shall be paid … the prices specified in the Schedule. Accordingly, the Schedule is included in the Clause, and I should have thought for the convenience of the Committee, although, of course, I am in your hands, that we could discuss it now, rather than wait until the Schedule.

The CHAIRMAN

If any hon. Member wish to move an Amendment, he can do so on the Schedule. The only question now is whether the keeper of a victualling house is to be bound by a Schedule or not. The question of the exact prices fixed in the Schedule will come on later.

Mr. HOGGE

Supposing the Committee agree to the Clause, will it not ipso facto also agree to the prices specified?

The CHAIRMAN

No, because the Clause does not fix the prices. It agrees to the prices which are to be fixed in the Schedule.

Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill," put, and agreed to.

Clause 4 (Amendment of s. 44) ordered to stand part of the Bill.