HC Deb 26 March 1934 vol 287 cc1759-61

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

10.12 p.m.

Mr. BATEY

I should like the Parliamentary Secretary to give us an explanation of this Clause. It refers to the Seventh Schedule, and perhaps he will explain the Schedule as well. It raises, first the case of the man who has a grievance where his allowance is stopped by the Unemployment Assistance Board, and, secondly, the case of those who are dealt with by a local authority.

Mr. HUDSON

I think I should be out of order in explaining the Schedule at this stage, and I would remind the hon. Member that under the time-table two days are allotted to the Schedules which, I think, will be ample for a discussion of these matters. The only point of substance in the Clause, apart from the reference to the Schedule, is that it deals with the powers and duties of local authorities in regard to health and education. The object of the Clause is to make sure that the board does not break into any of the local services which local authorities are carrying out.

Mr. BATEY

The Parliamentary Secretary has not dealt with that part of the Clause which relates to the Schedule. Is it in order for him to give the Committee an explanation of that?

The CHAIRMAN

An explanation of the first part of the Clause would be in order, but it would not be in order to discuss the Schedule.

Mr. BATEY

Are we to understand, therefore, that we are to have no explanation of the first Sub-section of this Clause?