HC Deb 03 February 1938 vol 331 cc421-2

The following Amendment stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mrs. TATE:

In page 37, line 7, to leave out from "be," to the end of the Sub-section, and to insert "defrayed out of the revenues of the Commission."

The Chairman

Mrs. Tate.

4.6 p.m.

Mr. H. G. Williams

I do not know whether this is a convenient point to state that there are certain hon. Members who would be glad to know what the proposals of the Government may be in general terms with regard to Part II of the Bill. This particular Clause involves a fundamental change in the Act of 1930.

Mr. Shinwell

On a point of Order. We are discussing Clause 39 and not the Clause to which the hon. Member refers.

Mr. Williams

I am referring to Clause 39.

The Chairman

I have already called Clause 39 and have called the first Amendment upon it. The hon. Member for South Croydon (Mr. H. G. Williams) had better wait to see what happens if the hon. Member for Frome (Mrs. Tate) is not present. Mrs. Tate.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

4.8 p.m.

Mr. H. G. Williams

This Clause proposes that the functions of the Coal Mines Reorganisation Commission shall cease and that a new body shall be set up. Clearly that is a preliminary to Clause 40; it is the introductory Clause to Part II. It would be of great convenience if at this stage we could have some general indication of the Government's intentions rather than wait until we reach Clause 40 and consider precise Amendments to it.

The Chairman

I do not know whether the hon. Member is addressing his observations to me.

Mr. Williams

If the question of order arises and it would not be in order for any statement to be made by the Government at this moment, I wonder whether it would be convenient for me to move that the Chairman report Progress in order that there may be an opportunity for some general debate at this stage rather than later on a particular Amendment which may restrict our discussion.

The Chairman

I can tell the hon. Member that a great deal of consideration has been given to the question of the conduct of the Debate on these Clauses. But the general question of Part II does not arise at the moment. Clause 39 stands by itself and the question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill" certainly admits of only definitely restricted discussion. When we come to Clause 40 the hon. Member will probably find that Amendments are called on which he will have an opportunity of getting the information he wants.

Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill," put, and agreed to.