HC Deb 19 November 1926 vol 199 cc2151-2
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

I beg to move, in page 1, line 24, after the word "paid," to insert the words "or payable."

This is only a drafting Amendment. It is the first of a series of Amendments, which are all of small importance, and have been agreed to by the National Farmers' Union, on the one hand, and the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades Associations, on the other. Unless hon. Members want any information on any detailed point, I think I really need not trouble the Committee with explanations.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made:

In page 2, line 14, at the end, insert the words Provided that in any proceedings under this Section if the defendant proves to the satisfaction of the Court that the offence was due to a bona fide mistake or accident, in spite of all reasonable precautions being taken and all due diligence exercised by the defendant to prevent the occurrence of such offence, or the offence was due to the action of some person over whom the defendant had no control, the defendant shall be discharged from the prosecution.

In page 2, line 17, after the word "salesman," insert the words "before the sale."—(Mr. Guinness.)

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

CLAUSE 2 (Inspection of books, etc.), ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 3.—(Interpretation.)

Amendment made: In page 2, line 39, leave out from the word "unless" to the end of the Sub-section, and insert instead thereof the words at or before the sale of the produce

  1. (a) the salesman has received from the owner or consignor a direction in writing to the contrary; or
  2. (b) the owner or consignor and the salesman have entered into an agreement in writing to the contrary; 2152 and any such agreement may apply either to a particular consignment or generally to all such consignments as may be specified in the agreement."—[Mr. Guinness.]

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

Clause 4 (Short title and extent), ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Bill reported, with Amendments; as amended, to be considered upon Monday next (22nd November).