HC Deb 06 May 1926 vol 195 cc597-600

Considered in Committee.

(MR. JAMES HOPE in the Chair.)

Clause 1 (Confirmation of Scheme) ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 2.—(Short Title.)

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

Captain GARRO-JONES

If I remember rightly in reading this Bill I came across a provision which provided that the church or chapel could dispense with its pastor by a resolution of the church.

The CHAIRMAN

I think that arises on the Schedule.

Captain GARRO-JONES

I think it comes under Clause 2.

The CHAIRMAN

No, Clause 2 is the short title.

Notice taken that forty Members were not present; House counted, and forty Members being present.

Schedule agreed to.

Bill reported, without Amendment.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Bill be now read the Third time."

Captain GARRO-JONES

I do not intend to obstruct the passage of this Bill, but, in reading it, I came across what seemed to me quite a new proviso in a Bill of this kind, to the effect that the church might dispense with the services of its pastor by a resolution, after giving a fortnight's notice. I wish to ask the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Tonbridge (Lieut.-Colonel Spender-Clay), as the representative of the Charity Commissioners, whether that is a new proviso, and, if so, whether there is any justification for its insertion in the. Bill.

Lieut. - Colonel SPENDER - CLAY

Where is the proviso?

Captain GARRO-JONES

I believe it is in Clause 2. It is certainly somewhere in the Bill.

Lieut.-Colonel SPENDER-CLAY

I think the hon. and gallant Member must refer to the previous Bill.

Captain GARRO-JONES

I will consult with the hon. and gallant Gentleman afterwards about it. I feel certain that it is in this Bill. Unfortunately, owing to the special circumstances of the moment, I have not been able to get a second copy of the Bill.

Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

I would point out that we did not have any notice that these Bills were to be taken to-night.

Mr. SPEAKER

There was notice given by their inclusion in the Orders of the Day.

Question put, and agree to.

The remaining Orders were read and postponed.

It being after half-past Eleven of the Clock upon Thursday evening, Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at Twenty Minutes after Twelve o'Clock