HC Deb 25 May 1939 vol 347 cc2673-4

Lords Amendment: In page 26, line 8, leave out from "person" to "nominated," in line 10.

11.38 p.m.

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

The effect of this Amendment is to omit the requirement that the chairman of the appeal tribunal should be a barrister of at least 10 years standing or a member of the Faculty of Advocates or a solicitor. In our discussions some apprehension was expressed by hon. Members opposite as to these qualifications, and this Amendment was accepted by the Government in another place with the object of securing the possibility of appointing some one who would command general respect and confidence irrespective of whether he had legal qualifications or not. In my opinion this Amendment does improve the Bill by giving a wider choice, and I recommend the House to accept it.

11.39 p.m.

Mr. Maxton

I was interested in this matter and I questioned very strongly the low qualifications which were suggested for the man who is to hold this position. I do not know whether my point is being met or not, because the Clause now specifies no qualifications. I take it that anybody, even I myself, might be appointed to this position. I certainly think that the change is for the better, but I recognise that we are now entirely in the hands of the Lord President of the Council and of the Lord Chancellor.

11.40 p.m.

Mr. Pritt

I should like to draw attention to the fact that without any protest from any of the numerous lawyers in the House a potential job has been taken away from them.

Mr. Foot

It is an extraordinary position that we insist upon very definite and high qualifications in the person who is to preside over the local tribunal and no qualifications at all in anybody presiding over the appellate tribunal.

The remaining Orders were read, and postponed.

It being after Half-past Eleven of the Clock, Mr. SPEAKER adjourned the House, without Question put, pursuant to the Standing Order.

Adjourned at Nineteen Minutes before Twelve o'clock.