HC Deb 24 July 1936 vol 315 cc1001-2

Lords Amendment: In page 12, line 7, after "date" insert: not being earlier than the expiration of seven years from the appointed day.

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER (Captain Bourne)

I have to call the attention of the House to the fact that this Amendment raises a question of Privilege.

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment".

My right hon. Friend in dealing with this matter when the Bill was before the House, said it was unlikely that the transfer from the Commission to the Inland Revenue Authorities could take place for several years, and I think he indicated a period of seven years. He has thought it desirable, in order to introduce certainty on the point, to insert the period of seven years. Incidentally, that will synchronise with the laying of the Commission's Report before the House as provided for by Clause 45.

Mr. MUFF

Will the hon. Gentleman explain where the Privilege arises?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

That is a matter for the Chair to explain.

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

Does the hon. Gentleman put that point to me?

Mr. MUFF

Yes, with great respect, I would like to do so.

Mr. DEPUTY-SPEAKER

The effect of this Amendment is to postpone the date of the transfer of the management from the Commission to the Inland Revenue authorities and the expenses of the Commission are a public charge.