HC Deb 15 November 1927 vol 210 cc859-60

Amendment proposed: In page 5, line 30, to leave out the words, "subject to rules of court."—(Colonel Wedgwood.)

Question again proposed, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of tie Bill."

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

I think it would be for the convenience of the House, Mr. Speaker, if you would kindly indicate the next Amendment after this one which you propose to call, as I have been unable to find out.

Mr. SPEAKER

I have had some consultation on the matter and what I propose to call next after this Clause has been disposed of is the Amendment in Clause 10, page 5, line 39, to leave out the word "five" and to insert instead thereof the word "ten."

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Since last night I have had the opportunity of talking this matter over with the Solicitor-General, who has made it plain to me that my fears were groundless. Therefore, I beg leave to withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The SOLICITOR - GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. Mac Robert)

I beg to move, in page 5, to leave out from the beginning of line 35 to the word "a" in line 36 and to insert instead thereof the words Where the person aggrieved is a person whose principal place of business is in Scotland, this Section shall apply as if the reference to the High Court were. Some hon. Members thought that Subsection (2) as it appears in the Bill was rather vague as regards the jurisdiction of the Court of Session, and an Amendment was put down by the hon. Member for Camlachie (Mr. Stephen) and others which rests on the word "domiciled." We think that would not do at all, because "domicile" has a very technical meaning. This Amendment expresses in words what the Sub-section itself implies. It also gives effect to the intention of those who were going to move that other Amendment, because it fixes the test of jurisdiction as being "commercial domicile," the commercial centre of the business.

Mr. STEPHEN

I am disposed to accept the attempt that has been made by the Solicitor-General for Scotland to meet us in connection with this Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.