HC Deb 20 March 1940 vol 358 cc2033-4

Lords Amendment: In page 26, line 31, leave out "otherwise than in money."

4.27 p.m.

Mr. Colville

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

The House will recollect that before the Bill left the Committee stage the hon. Member for Stirling and Clackmannan, Eastern (Mr. Woodburn) and other hon. Members raised the point that Scottish local authorities would give relief in money rather than in kind, even in emergency cases. After that I had a discussion on the matter with representatives of Scottish local authorities, and came to the conclusion that it was wise in the case of Scotland to make this Amendment. It relates, of course, only to relief in sudden or urgent cases of necessity. The practice in that country has been to give relief in cash rather than in kind and the Amendment enables local authorities to do so in sudden or urgent cases. A consequential Amendment will enable the local authorities to be recouped.

Mr. Speaker

This Amendment raises a question of Privilege.

4.29 p.m.

Mr. Woodburn (Stirling and Clackmannan, Eastern)

I have to express, on behalf of myself and my hon. Friends, our appreciation of the action of the Minister in having this Amendment inserted in the House of Lords. On behalf of the local authorities, which speak through us, I should also like to express their appreciation of the fact that he has agreed to recoup them for this outlay.

Question put, and agreed to.

Special Entry made.

Remaining Lords Amendments agreed to.