HC Deb 11 April 1933 vol 276 cc2512-3

(1) In the definition of the expression "tenant," in paragraph (g) of Sub-section (1) of Section twelve of the Act of 1920 there shall be added after the words "so residing as aforesaid" the words "and having so resided for not less than six months immediately preceding the tenant's death.

(2) This Section shall not apply in respect of any death occuring before the passing of this Act.—[Sir R. Gower.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

11.34 p.m.

Sir ROBERT GOWER

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

This new Clause is designed to prevent an evil which has existed in the past, of relatives of a tenant who is about to die going to reside with him, and then after the lapse of a week or so claiming the benefits of the Act.

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

This new Clause seems entirely within the spirit of Section 12 of the Act of 1920. Without committing ourselves to words we promise to incorporate some suitable Amendment in the Bill.

11.35 p.m.

Mr. BUCHANAN

The question of "temporary residents" may become a very wide one. The term can hardly be defined. Most of us who come to the House of Commons are only "temporary residents." We come here for a time, and then pass on. I am opposed to any acceptance by the Government of the proposal in this new Clause. I think the principle underlying it is one which might be applied in a shocking fashion in some cases. I hope that the Government will not have any tinkering with it at all. The question of who are temporary residents may become a moot point, and I hope that the Government will keep the Bill as it is, and retain a safeguard which ought not to be lightly omitted.

Sir R. GOWER

Having regard to what the Parliamentary Secretary has said, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the proposed new Clause.

Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn.