HC Deb 06 August 1924 vol 176 cc3082-3

Lords Amendment:

In page 9, line 20, after the word "Act," insert "but in the case of a dwelling-house not without reasonable notice."

Mr. BUXTON

I beg to move "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

The Members of the House who were present at the Debate upon this subject during the afternoon will remember that anxiety was expressed in regard to the right of officers carrying out duties in connection with the wages question to enter the barns or houses of farmers. Though we hardly thought it fully justified by the proposals, a certain amount of feeling was expressed against what was thought to be an invasion of the farmers' house by officials of the Ministry. We are not anxious to cause alarm in any man's house nor do we wish to act harshly; therefore we now ask this House to agree with this Amendment which is proposed with the object of safe- guarding the farmer against these difficulties. The Clause now runs: Any officer so appointed shall have power… to enter at all reasonable times any premises or place for the purpose of such inspection or for the enforcement of this Act;"— and it is proposed to insert at that point the new words but in the case of a dwelling-house not without reasonable notice.