HC Deb 18 July 1929 vol 230 cc778-9

Order for Second Reading read.

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time."

I understand that there has been expressed the view that it would be for the convenience of the House, owing to the Debate which has already taken place, that a further discussion of the Bill should be deferred to a later stage. If that be the general feeling of the House, I am only too happy to agree. All that I need say now, therefore, is that the Bill contains nothing more than was contained in the Money Resolution which was before the House two days ago. The only point to which I need refer is the fact that Clause 1 of the Bill does give a certain protection. I understand that some little doubt was felt as to whether the provisions of the Act of 1924, with regard to the division of the subsidy, were being in any way revised. I referred to it when we were in Committee on the Money Resolution, and the situation is that Clause 1 of the Bill definitely preserves that provision of the 1924 Act, under which the division of the subsidy will take place after the 1st October this year as was originally provided. That, in view of what I said on Tuesday is all that I need say on this stage.

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I rise only to say, on behalf of those for whom I speak, that we confirm the arrangement for the general convenience of the House to postpone the discussion on this Measure until the Third reading, which I understand will take place on Monday next.

Question put, and agreed to.

Bill read a Second time.

Bill committed to a Committee of the Whole House for To-morrow.—[Mr. Greenwood.]