§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEI beg to move, in page 7, line 30, after the word "institutions," to insert the words "or for the support of district nurses."
This Amendment proposes simply to amplify, or emphasise, the fact of the permission to be given to approved societies which have a disposable surplus to contribute to the support of district nurses. The Clause is based on Section 26 of the 1924 Act and in that Section the words "or for the support of district nurses" were included. The words run:
An approved society or insurance committee may make such subscriptions or donations as it thinks fit to hospitals, dispensaries, and other charitable institutions, or for the support of district nurses.When we came to examine the Bill upstairs we found that Clause 4 left out "and district nurses." It is obvious that "other charitable institutions" would naturally include the support of district nurses, but in order to be quite sure that there is no misapprehension I think it would be advisable to have that phrase definitely inserted, inasmuch as approved societies have been accustomed to working the corresponding section of the Act with those words included. If the Amendment were left out they might think they were no longer allowed to contribute for that purpose. The matter was raised in Committee and the Minister definitely approved it in spirit but it was put in on the spur of the moment and could not be accepted. I hope it may be approved now by all sides of the House without any need for me to emphasise the value of district nurses and the advantage of being allowed to support them.
§ Dr. DRUMMOND SHIELSI beg to second the Amendment. I do not think 1994 it needs any words of mine to commend it. These district associations do very great good and it is very desirable that societies should be able to contribute to their funds if they so desire.
§ Sir K. WOODI am very pleased to accept the Amendment. This really brings Clause 4 into conformity with Clause 16 (1 b).
§ Amendment agreed to.