HC Deb 12 March 1935 vol 299 cc261-2

6.6 p.m.

Mr. D. D. REID

I beg to move, in page 14, line 35, to leave out Subsection (3) and to insert: (3) If for a continuous period of sixty days a member of either Chamber is absent from all meetings thereof except on account of illness or the service of the Crown without permission of that Chamber that Chamber may declare his seat vacant. Provided that in computing the said continuous period of sixty days no account shall be taken of any period during which the Chamber is prorogued or adjourned."

This is little more than a drafting Amendment, and I hope the Minister will see his way to accept it. The Clause provides that: If for sixty days a Member of either Chamber is, without permission of the Chamber, absent from all meetings thereof, the Chamber may declare his seat vacant. It is not quite clear during what period the sixty days are to be computed, and whether a man can be absent one day and present another and the absent days are to be added together, or whether there has to be a period of continuous absence. The Amendment proposes to state definitely that there must be absence for a continuous period of sixty days, except on account of illness or the service of the Crown, without the permission of the Chamber before the seat is declared vacant, and also provides that no account should be taken during those sixty days of any period during which the Chamber is prorogued or adjourned.

6.8 p.m.

The SOLICITOR-GENERAL (Sir Donald Somervell)

On the point first mentioned by my hon. Friend, I think it would be quite clear to anyone who looked at the proviso that the period of sixty days would be construed as being continuous. Still, my hon. Friend's Amendment does make that point quite clear. It raises, however, a further point in excepting illness and absence owing to service of the Crown. My right hon. Friend definitely thinks there are points in this Amendment which should be considered, and, without giving any undertaking he will certainly agree to consider it, and, if necessary, move a form of words on the lines of the Amendment at a later stage. I hope in view of that statement that my hon. Friend will be prepared to withdraw his Amendment.

Mr. REID

I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.