HC Deb 03 August 1922 vol 157 cc1879-82

Order for consideration of Lords Amendments read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Lords Amendments be now eonsidered."—[Mr. Pretyman.]

Mr. SPEAKER

I must point out that the Amendments to this Bill are, I think, all privilege Amendments. I do not know what course the right hon. Member for Chelmsford (Mr. Pretyman) wishes to take.

Mr. PRETYMAN

I venture to ask the House to accept the first Amendment, altering the time at which this Bill would operate from April to October, for the reason that otherwise, owing to the time which has elapsed since the Bill was passed in this House, it would become retrospective, as the demand notes for the April rates have already been issued and dealt with. I therefore ask the House to accept that Amendment. The remaining Amendments I should propose to ask the House to disagree with, both on the ground of privilege and because they would create a very great difficulty. There was a small deficit created by the Act of 1920 which under this new Clause inserted by the Lords would have to be divided into three, affecting firstly, the ratepayers of the parish, secondly the ratepayers of the Union, and thirdly the ratepayers of the county. A large number of ratepayers would be brought in who are not now brought in, and therefore I ask the House not to waive its privilege, but to disagree to all but the first Lords Amendment.

Question put, and agreed to.

Lords Amendments considered accordingly.

    c1880
  1. CLAUSE 1.—(Relief or abatement in case of several benefices held by one person.) 134 words
    2. cc1880-2
  2. NEW CLAUSE.—(Deductions where sung assessed is irrecoverable.) 573 words
    3. c1882
  3. CLAUSE 2.—(Short title.) 69 words
      4. c1882
    1. TITLE. 164 words