HC Deb 01 October 1941 vol 374 cc669-71
Mr. Liddall (Lincoln)

I beg to move, in page 1, line 18, after "examination," to insert, "to be made by an accountant."

This Amendment and the four following Amendments on the Order Paper in my name and that of my hon. Friend the Member for West Salford (Mr. Emery) all refer to the same matter, as does a manuscript Amendment—in line 3, page 16, leave out "and accounts" and insert, "accounts and documents"— handed in by the hon. and gallant Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner). With your permission, Colonel Clifton Brown, and that of the Committee, I suggest that these Amendments might be considered together.

The Deputy-Chairman (Colonel Clifton Brown)

If the Committee agree, I am willing that this should be done.

Hon. Members: Agreed.

Mr. Liddall

In my opinion, which I feel sure will be shared by the Committee, it is necessary for the accountant to see evidence of what a solicitor has received to start with in order that he may certify what has been done with the money, deeds, documents or securities. I hope that the Committee and my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General will accept these Amendments.

Major Milner (Leeds, South East)

These Amendments are of a drafting nature. As the Clause stands at present, an accountant instructed by a solicitor would have authority to examine only the solicitor's books and accounts. Clearly the intention is that if the accountant wishes to examine any other relevant documents of the solicitor, he should be able to do so, and these Amendments would give that power.

The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)

I accept the Amendments.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made:

In page 1, line 19, leave out "to be made by an accountant," and insert "and of any other relevant documents."

In page 2, line 5, leave out "and accounts," and insert "accounts and documents."

In line 9, leave out "and accounts," and insert "accounts and documents."

In page 3, line 14, leave out "or accounts," and insert "accounts or documents."—[Mr. Liddall.]

In page 3, line 16, leave out "and accounts," and insert "accounts and documents."—[Major Milner.]

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.