HC Deb 07 November 1934 vol 293 c1169

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

10.27 p.m.

Major COLFOX

May I call attention to the drafting of this Clause which seems rather peculiar. It says: Where a person convicted of an offence … is a body corporate. Are there any possible circumstances in which a person can be a body corporate? It seems that this must either be "a person" or "a body corporate."

10.28 p.m.

Mr. C. WILLIAMS

I am not quite sure at whom the Clause is aimed. What would be the position, for instance, in regard to co-operative societies? They are, of course, highly speculative bodies, and we ought to know if they are included.

10.29 p.m.

The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Normand)

A legal personality may be a person—an individual—or a body corporate, and may be convicted of a statutory offence.