HC Deb 31 May 1927 vol 207 cc345-7
Captain GARRO-JONES

Is this the Law of Libel Amendment Bill?

The CHAIRMAN

The Committee has rejected the Motion to report Progress, therefore we proceed to Clause 7.

Mr. STEPHEN

On a point of Order. Could you give us some indication as to how you are proposing to take the Amendments?

The CHAIRMAN

I think enough for the evening are the Amendments thereof. The first Amendment—in page 7, line 15, to leave out the words "Without prejudice to the right of any," and to insert instead thereof the words, "No person other than a"—would really negative the Clause. I call on the Second, No. 21.

Mr. STEPHEN

I should like to submit in connection with this Amendment of the hon. Member for Wednesbury (Mr. Short) and myself, that it might be of service to allow a short discussion on it.

The CHAIRMAN

If it were adopted, there would really be nothing left of the Clause. Therefore, I call the next Amendment that is in order.

Mr. STEPHEN

My Amendment would have the effect of making the position the same as it is at present.

The CHAIRMAN

That is precisely the case and that is why it negatives the Clause.

Mr. STEPHEN

May I submit that it would be a very suitable Amendment for a general discussion.

The CHAIRMAN

With the consent of the Committee, I should be prepared to allow a general discussion on the Amendment of the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney (Captain Garro-Jones).

Mr. BUCHANAN

Am I to understand your ruling is that you cannot call the Amendment of my hon. Friend the Member for Camlachie (Mr. Stephen), but that you are proposing to call that of the hon. and gallant Member for South Hackney, and to allow the fullest and widest possible discussion on that?

The CHAIRMAN

With the consent of the Committee, certainly.

Mr. BECKETT

In view of the fact that we are discussing this Clause—[HON. MEMBERS: "We are not!"]

It being Eleven of the Clock, the Chairman left the Chair to make his Report to the House.

Committee report Progress; to sit again To-morrow.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.