HC Deb 08 July 1930 vol 241 c355
Miss LAWRENCE

I beg to move, in page 38, line 18, after the word "Minister," to insert the words: or, as the case may be, the Department of Health for Scotland.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

As no Scottish Member appears to be taking an interest in this matter, I should like to know why these words were omitted from the original draft of the Bill or why it is necessary to introduce them at this stage? We are told that there is a special Scottish Bill to deal with these matters and I fail to see why, in those circumstances, this Amendment is necessary. No explanation has been given by the Minister. I cannot see that it is consequential on anything, or that it is particularly necessary, and it seems rather a curious Amendment when we consider the other Bill.

Miss LAWRENCE

The provision as amended in the 1924 Act applies to Scotland, and, as we are amending the 1924 Act, we are amending it completely.

Mr. E. BROWN

I cannot allow this aspersion on Scotland to pass without comment. The fact that the 1924 Act affects both England and Scotland necessitates this Amendment. The hon. Member for Torquay (Mr. C. Williams) is quite wrong, and if he knew a little more about Scottish affairs, he would not cast aspersions on the capability of Scottish Members.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In page 38, line 20, leave out the word "him," and insert instead thereof the words "the Minister or by the department."

In line 27, after the word "and," insert the word "that."

In page 39, line 3, leave out the word "Acts."—[Miss Lawrence.]