§ 9.13 p.m.
§ Sir K. WoodI beg to move, in page 5, line 37, to leave out "first day of January," and to insert" fourth day of April."
This is an Amendment with reference to the date when this Measure shall come into operation. The Committee will remember that the date, "the first day of January, nineteen hundred and thirty-eight," was inserted in the Bill when it was introduced in the House in June last, but we were unable to proceed with the Measure at that time, and, therefore, I consulted the representatives of the approved societies. A great deal of work will have to be done in anticipation of the coming into effect of this Measure. The stamps will have to be prepared and distributed to all the post offices, and cards supplied to approved societies upon which they will have to enter the names of juvenile members and certain other particulars before issuing them to the members. The Consultative Councils for England, Wales and Scotland are of opinion that for the convenience of the administration of the Measure and in order that it should be begun when all these necessary steps have been taken, it would be for the general convenience that, instead of on 1st January the Measure should be brought into force on 4th April next. It is for that purpose, which I think will be for the general convenience, that I have moved this Amendment.
§ Sir K. WoodI understand that the societies have considered that. This is the date chosen by them as most convenient. I am informed that the first period will be for only 13 weeks.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§ Further Amendment made: In page 5, leave out lines 39 and 40.—[Sir K. Wood.]