HC Deb 01 October 1941 vol 374 c683
Major Milner

I beg to move, in page 19, line 33, after "Sections," to insert: Provided that Section one shall not come into operation until after the termination of the period during which the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act, 1939, is in force. Clause 1, which is the operative Clause, relates to the proposed delivery of accountants' certificates and to the examination of solicitors' books, accounts and documents. The solicitors' profession would have preferred this Bill to come into force at once. Originally the Bill was drawn up to enable it to be brought into force when the Lord Chancellor thought fit, but it was the almost unanimous opinion at a meeting of solicitors that the matter should not be delayed but should be brought into force at once. Unfortunately that is not possible, because it would require the employment of a number of accountants and others who are not available because many of them are serving in His Majesty's Forces. It is a matter of regret that the operative Clause cannot be brought into operation at the present time, and therefore I hope the Committee will agree that it shall not be brought into force until after the termination of the period during which the Emergency Powers (Defence) Act is in force. Accountants will then be available, solicitors will have been able to pick up their practice and everything will be done properly.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made:

In page 19, line 33, leave out "or any."—[Major Milner.]

In line 35, after the first "Act," insert "Subject to the provisions of this Act."

In line 36, leave out "August," and insert "January."

In line 36, leave out "forty-one," and insert "forty-two."—[Mr. Silkin.]

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

Schedules agreed to.

Bill reported, with Amendments; as amended, considered; read the Third time, and passed, with Amendments.