HC Deb 04 February 1937 vol 319 cc1927-8

Resolution reported, That it is expedient that persons holding any of the offices to which this Resolution applies should in lieu of holding office for a term of years, hold office during His Majesty's pleasure or during good behaviour, subject to any provision which may be made by any Act of the present Session for giving effect to this Resolution as to age of retirement or as to removal for misbehaviour or inability and to any provisions for vacation of or removal from office before the expiration of the term thereof to which such persons are now subject, and accordingly that the Superannuation Acts, 1834 to 5935, should apply to such persons with such modifications as may be specified in any such act as aforesaid, and that any expenses arising from the application of the Superannuation Acts to the President of the Railway Rates Tribunal should be defrayed as expenses of that Tribunal. The offices to which this Resolution applies are those of—

  1. (i) Chairman of Traffic Commissioners under the Road Traffic Act, 1930;
  2. (ii) Traffic Commissioner under that Act for the Metropolitan traffic area;
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  3. (iii) Chairman of the Appeal Tribunal established by section fifteen of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 5933; and
  4. (iv) President of the Railway Rates Tribunal."

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Committee in the said Resolution."

Mr. Tinker

I understood that the Chief Whip was not taking any contentious matter. We oppose this on principle. It is a contentious Measure and ought not to be taken at this time of night.

11.49 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Margesson)

There has been discussion through the usual channels as to what business might be taken and I was told that, provided the Government did not proceed with the Money Resolution dealing with Statutory Salaries or the Third Reading of the Empire Settlement Bill, it would be all right to proceed with the Report stage of this Resolution in order that the Bill to be founded on it may be discussed next week. I hope the hon. Member will not press his objection any further.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

The Minister responsible for the Bill should at least explain it so that the House knows on what it is voting.

11.50 p.m.

Mr. Kelly

It is surprising that at this hour we should be asked to take even the Report stage of this Measure. The way that six or eight Measures have been rushed through this week is not good for the reputation of the House or its method of doing business. We are asked to agree to this now so that it may be rushed through—probably so that little attention can be given to it.

Captain Margesson

I have no wish to press this Motion. We should not have taken it except for the agreement between myself and the hon. Gentleman opposite. It can be taken another night, and in view of what has been said I move, "That the Debate be now adjourned."

Debate to be resumed upon Monday next.