HC Deb 24 May 1939 vol 347 cc2380-1
Mrs. Hardie

I beg to move, in page 44, line 37, at the end, to insert: (4) Before making, revoking, or varying any scheme under the powers of this Section, the Treasury shall consult with associations representing various classes of local authorities exercising functions under the Act of 1937 or this Act.

6.57 p.m.

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Captain Crookshank)

The hon. Lady has formally moved this Amendment, and I am not quite clear what she may have in mind in doing so. The suggestion in the Amendment is that local authorities should be consulted before the scheme of compensation is made. I think that on reflection she will consider that it is not entirely appropriate that they should be consulted under Statute, because, when all is said and done, the compensation scheme will be framed by the Treasury and the cost of it will be borne on the Votes. There is no charge upon the local authorities in this matter, and therefore I do not think it would be appropriate to accept the Amendment, but I am prepared to go so far as to say that when the scheme is in draft we shall be prepared to let the associations see it and consider any observations which they may have to offer upon it.

Sir I. Albery

Is Parliament to see it?

Captain Crookshank

There is another Amendment on that point which, I understand, is not being called. Perhaps I may answer the question without being out of order by pointing out that last night the Lord Privy Seal said that an Amendment dealing with the various regulations to be adopted would be inserted in the Bill by which they would be brought before the attention of Parliament, and that this matter is thereby covered.

The Chairman (Sir Dennis Herbert)

The whole of that statement as well as the question which led to it was thoroughly disorderly, if I may say so, but I hope it is satisfactory to the Committee. But we must not continue the discussion.

Mr. Ede

I hope that I may be both orderly and satisfactory—for the time being, at any rate. This Clause is mainly concerned with people who are being trained or exercised in a voluntary capacity in services conducted by local authorities, and, therefore, it is very desirable that local authorities should be able to see the proposals. That is all we desire, because the local authorities will most likely have to explain them to these volunteers, for whom, naturally, they feel some responsibility. However, we accept the assurance that has been given by the Minister.

Amendment, by leave withdrawn.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 57 ordered to stand part of the Bill.