HC Deb 14 May 1928 vol 217 cc676-8
Mr. MAXTON

May I ask regarding the business for to-day, if the Bill to confer powers on the Bank of England is to be treated as a public Bill or, as a previous Bill affecting the Bank of England was, as a hybrid Bill and subject to the procedure affecting hybrid Bills?

Mr. SPEAKER

I have looked at the Bill down for consideration. There is nothing in the Bill which would lead me to suppose that it ought to go to the examiner. The hon. Member wishes to ask, I suppose, this question, recollecting a certain Bill of two years ago.

Mr. MAXTON

As I read the definition of a Private Bill, this Bill falls in exactly the same category as the previous Bill I am referring to, the Bill to nationalise the Bank of England, except that that proposed to take rights away from the Bank of England whereas this is a Bill to confer rights on the Bank of England. As I understand the Standing Orders, the conferring of rights and the taking away of rights are in exactly the same category as far as the Standing Order is concerned, and I ask you, Sir, having regard to that Standing Order, if it is not the proper procedure that proper steps should be taken with regard to advertising and the summoning of witnesses and the other procedure that applies to hybrid Bills?

Mr. SPEAKER

No, I do not think so at all. The purpose of the Standing Order is that any person who may possibly be damnified has an opportunity of being heard. I cannot see that there is anything in this Bill that proposes to take away any private rights.

Mr. MAXTON

Will you allow me, Sir, to read the Standing Order which seems to me to apply? To confer rights on or relieve from liability some particular person or body of persons. Is the purpose of the Bill not to confer rights on the Bank of England?

Mr. SPEAKER

The Bill seems to give duties rather than rights. The hon. Member has given me no notice that he was going to raise the question.

Mr. HARDIE

Is it not a fact that the Bill, if carried, will give an increased income to members of the Bank of England and shareholders?

Mr. MAXTON

I apologise for not giving notice of this question. I assumed because of the previous discussion on the matter that you would be fully conversant with the situation and that notice was unnecessary. I should be greatly obliged, in the interests of the procedure of the House, if you would look further into the matter?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think I am conversant with the Bill, but if the hon. Member can suggest any new points, he may put them before me.