HC Deb 14 February 1939 vol 343 cc1594-5

4.51 p.m.

Mr. Petherick

I beg to move, in page 3, line 9, to leave out "as aforesaid," and to insert "in the prescribed manner."

This Sub-section deals with the powers given to the Board of Trade to grant licences both to principals and their representatives, subject to certain conditions. During the passage of the Bill through Committee, I drew attention to the fact that the wording of Sub-section (1, b) was not clear. There was some doubt as to whether the words "as aforesaid" applied to the words "any person" or to the words "in the prescribed manner, and on payment of the prescribed fee." If they applied to the words "any person," it meant that the principal had to apply for the representative's licence, which I think was not the intention; if, on the other hand, they applied to the words "in the prescribed manner," it meant that the representative had to apply. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade was good enough to look into the matter and he suggested the words now in the Amendment, which would make the matter quite: clear. I think it is now plain that, as far as the representative's licence is concerned, it is for the representative himself to apply. I hope that in the regulations which the Board of Trade are to make concerning these licences, it will be laid down that the principal must, in all circumstances, back the representative's application in order to make sure that that application has his approval.

Mr. Spens

I beg to second the Amendment.

Mr. Cross

This is a drafting Amendment, the wording of which certainly puts the intention of the Clause beyond any possibility of doubt. I am glad to accept the Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.