HC Deb 11 June 1928 vol 218 cc774-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, That a Select Committee be appointed to consider and report upon the Contract, dated the 2nd and 11th days of April, 1928, between the Postmaster-General and David MacBrayne, Limited, for the maintenance of certain cargo and passenger sea services in the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and for the conveyance of mails by certain of the vessels so employed.—[Sir G. Hennessy.]

Mr. HARDIE

Can we be assured that two of the gentlemen concerned, Sir Herbert Cayzer and Captain Fanshawe, have no interests in shipping affairs?

Mr. SPEAKER

That point arises on a separate Motion.

Mr. BUCHANAN

Should I be in order in objecting to this Motion, to the general Motion altogether?

Mr. SPEAKER

It cannot be taken after eleven o'clock if objection is taken.

Sir J. GILMOUR

Might I appeal to the hon. Member and explain that this is a matter that Scottish Members generally wish to see carried through? It would be very unfortunate if it were held up at this stage. I am accepting an Amendment that is being moved by another hon. Member.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I do not wish to delay the matter, but I want to ask a few questions, and I am certain that they cannot be answered without something in the nature of a discussion. I regret the necessity, but I have some necessary questions on the constitution of the Committee. I have no objection to the original Motion.

Mr. SPEAKER

If the hon. Member objects, we cannot proceed with the Motion.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I wish to object to the names. That is my only objection.

Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONE

I beg to move, in line 4, after the word "Limited," to insert the words: and to consider any alternative scheme whereby more adequate provision could be made.

Mr. E. BROWN

I beg to second the Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

The following Motion also stood upon the Order Paper:

"That the Committee do consist of Eleven Members:

That Mr. Barr, Major Sir Herbert Cayzer, Captain Fanshawe, Sir Robert Hamilton, Mr. Johnston, Mr. Thomas Kennedy, Major MacAndrew, Major Alan - McLean, Mr. R. W. Smith, Major Steel, and Mr. Roy Wilson be nominated Members of the Committee:

That the Committee have power to send for persons, papers, and records:

That Three be the quorum."—[Sir Hennessy.]

Mr. JOHNSTON

I log to move, in line 13, at end, to add the words That the Committee have the power to travel to and hold sitting; in Glasgow.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

On a point of Order. May I put it to you, Sir, that this Amendment ought to come later on, and that you have to put the next part of the Motion.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman is quite right.

Ordered, That a Select Committee be appointed to consider and report upon the Contract, dated the 2nd and 11th days of April, 1928, between the Postmaster-General and David MacBrayne, Ltd., and to consider any alternative scheme whereby more adequate provision could be made for the maintenance of certain cargo and passenger sea set's-ices in the Western Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and for the conveyance of mails by certain of the vessels so employed.

Mr. BUCHANAN

I wish to object now to the names.

Mr. SPEAKER

Then that part of the Motion will have to stand over.

The remaining Order, were read, and postponed.

    c776
  1. ADJOURNMENT. 17 words
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