HC Deb 01 July 1941 vol 372 cc1231-2

(1)Section eight of the Finance Act, 1940 (which authorises the issue to members of His Majesty's naval, military or air forces of permits to use mechanically-propelled vehicles when on leave), shall, subject to any regulations made by the Minister of War Transport, apply in relation to masters and members of the crews of British sea-going ships as it applies to members of His Majesty's naval, military or air forces.

This section shall be deemed to have come into operation on the first day of July, nineteen hundred and forty-one, and any regulations made under this Section, or made under the said Section eight as respects masters and members of the crews of British sea-going ships, may be made to apply retrospectively as from the said day. —[Sir K. Wood.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Sir K. Wood

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time"

This new Clause has been introduced in response to the undertaking which I gave on the Committee stage of the Bill, and its purpose is to extend to officers and men of the Merchant Navy the privilege given by Section 8 of the Finance Act, 1940, to members of the Armed Forces on leave. The privilege applies to men who may have a motor car or a motor cycle which is not licensed but is registered in the applicant's name, and a permit for its use can be issued during the period of leave. It has been represented to me in all parts of the House that it is right that the officers and men of the Merchant Navy should be given this privilege.

Colonel Sandeman Allen (Birkenhead, West)

I would like to thank my right hon. Friend on behalf of the Merchant Navy for his kindness in putting this Clause into the Bill. I am certain that we in this House are glad to be able to add to the amenities and enjoyment ashore of these officers and men in this way. I wish to express our gratitude to the Chan- cellor of the Exchequer for what he has done.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.