HC Deb 12 May 1936 vol 312 cc177-8

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Committee on Group F of Private Bills do forthwith report the Gas Light and Coke Company (No. 2) Bill without amendment to the House, and that on such Report being made, the said Bill stand re-committed to the Committee of Selection with an Instruction not to refer the said Bill to the Committee on Group F of Private Bills."—[The Chairman of Ways and Means.]

Mr. THORNE

May I ask the Chairman of Ways and Means the reason for recommitting this Bill? Does it mean that those who oppose the Bill have to go through the whole stage of the Bill again, and spend a lot of money?

The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS (Sir Dennis Herbert)

The reason is to be found on page 2 of the Votes; it is a Report by the Chairman of Ways and Means that the Committee on Group F of Private Bills found the Preamble of the Bill proved without having fully heard all the petitioners against the Bill. In those circumstances there seems to be no course open but in effect to declare the proceedings in Committee abortive, and refer the Bill again to a different Committee.

Mr. THORNE

May I ask the Chairman of Ways and Means how it was that the Committee in question did not hear all the opposition of those entitled to oppose the Bill?

The CHAIRMAN of WAYS and MEANS

That is a question which I think is not for me to answer.

Mr. THORNE

It is a lot of waste of money.

Question put, and agreed to.

Ordered, That the Committee on Group F of Private Bills do forthwith report the Gas Light and Coke Company (No. 2) Bill without amendment to the House, and that on such Report being made, the said Bill stand re-committed to the Committee of Selection with an Instruction not to refer the said Bill to the Committee on Group F of Private Bills."—[The Chairman of Ways and Means.]