HC Deb 12 October 1944 vol 403 cc1945-67

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Parker (Romford)

In Sub-section (4) it is stated that Monmouth should be included with Wales, and I would like to make a protest. Whenever we have legislation introduced in which Wales is to have some different laws from England, Monmouth is added. It is high time that we had a short one-Clause Bill to provide that Monmouth is to be counted as part of Wales, so it will not be necessary, in every Bill which provides something different as between Wales and England, to add a Clause to provide that Monmouth shall be treated as part of Wales. If the Government did not wish a law to apply to Wales, but to apply to Mon- mouth, they could have a Clause including Monmouth. It is time we finished this farce.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

This point comes on me by way of surprise. I do not know the historical details, and I am not sure whether it is always the case that Monmouth is added in legislative enactments.

Mr. Parker

In the Acts relating to the disestablishment of the Welsh Church, and the Sunday closing of public houses, the two main things on which there are different laws in Wales and England, Monmouth counts as part of Wales.

Mr. Morrison

That may be so, but I will consider the point. The precedents are numerous for the course that is taken in this Bill. What Monmouth feels about it, whether it wishes to be part of Wales or part of England, or whether it wishes to have the best of both worlds by being added to Wales when it is convenient for it to be added, I do not know. I am afraid that it must stand as far as this Bill is concerned, but I will pursue historical research studies in the light of what my hon. Friend has said and see whether the point ought to be followed up.

Question put, and agreed to.