HC Deb 19 June 1940 vol 362 cc197-9

5.8 p.m.

Vice-Admiral Taylor (Paddington, South)

I beg to move, in page 5, line 37, to leave out "is," and to insert "was."

In moving this Amendment, which also stands in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Ealing (Sir F. Sanderson) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Sir T. Moore), I should like to deal at the same time with the following Amendment on the Paper—in page 5, line 38, leave out from "1920," to "or," in line 41, and insert: during some period during which a licence under the said Section thirteen was in force in respect of the vehicle. The object of these Amendments is to provide officers and men returning on leave from outside this country with greater facilities for using motor transport than they have under the Clause as it stands. I need not go in detail into this matter. It was fully discussed during the Committee stage of the Bill, but unfortunately, through no fault of my own, I was unable to be here at that time. I have read all the speeches which were made and the arguments which were put forward in opposition to the Amendment which was then put upon the Paper, and which went a good deal further than the Amendments on the Paper to-day. I realise that there are other arguments in addition to that of opening the door too widely. To open the door widely would be to the benefit of the Chanceller of the Exchequer because every additional licence that is taken out brings additional revenue to the Exchequer, but I realise that there are other considerations. Circumstances have changed materially in the last few weeks, and in the last few days.

This Amendment will give an officer or man the opportunity of getting a permit for a car which has at any time been registered in his name, notwithstanding the fact that he may have transferred the car to a member of his family or a friend or even sold it. But if such a car has at any time been registered in his name, he will be able under the Amendment to obtain a permit for the use of the car. That opens the door a little but nothing like as much as I would like to see it opened. The House is agreed on the principle that serving men who come home on leave from overseas should have as much opportunity as possible of making full use of the short time at their disposal, and motor transport is very necessary for them to get about to see their friends and enjoy themselves. We cannot do too much for them, and my Amendment would give them more facilities than they can obtain under the Clause as it stands. I am sure that the Chancellor of the Exchequer is sympathetic in this matter and that all Members of the House will wish to do everything possible on behalf of these men. I hope that in the circumstances the Chancellor of the Exchequer will not consider that I am trying to open the door too much, and that he will agree to accept the Amendment.

5.12 p.m.

Sir Frank Sanderson (Ealing)

I beg to second the Amendment. I do not propose to reiterate what I said during the Committee stage. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was very generous when he listened to a number of Members at a private meeting, but on that occasion he made it quite clear that he could not accept the Amendment which was originally put down by us. I hope and firmly believe, however, that we have the sympathy of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and he will see his way to accept this very moderate Amendment.

5.13 p.m.

Sir K. Wood

My hon. and gallant Friends have put their case as they always do with strength, sincerity and persistence, and, as far as this Amendment is concerned, I recognise that they have attempted to meet the position. I felt some difficulty about the original proposition which they made, but I am pleased and prepared to accept the present Amendment, and I hope that many will have an opportunity of availing themselves of its provisions.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

I wish to express my gratitude to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for having accepted the Amendment, and I very much appreciate the courtesy he has extended to me throughout the discussion of this matter.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 5, line 38, leave out from "1920," to "or," in line 41, and insert during some period during which a licence under the said Section thirteen was in force in respect of the vehicle."—[Vice-Admiral Taylor.]

Vice-Admiral Taylor

I beg to move, in page 6, line 3, to leave out "said."

This Amendment is consequential.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 6, line 4, after "licence," insert in respect of the vehicle under the said Section thirteen."—[Vice-Admiral Taylor.]