HC Deb 23 May 1946 vol 423 cc674-5
Mr. Lindgren

I beg to move, in page 16, line 23, after " confinement) ", to insert: not being more than the prescribed number of weeks after that in which the certificate is given. This, again, is a drafting Amendment. It is consequential on the previous Amendment which places a time limit within which the maternity benefit can be drawn before the confinement. The intention is that it should be payable six weeks before the confinement, and the Amendment is moved accordingly.

Lieut.-Commander Joynson-Hicks

In this particular provision, I understand, we are dealing with a certificate. If I understand it correctly, the proviso for granting a certificate is to be dealt with in regulations. Surely it would be more appropriate to deal with the period in regulations, rather than in the body of the Bill?

Mr. Lindgren

That is the intention, and the prescribed number of weeks is not included in the Amendment. Because this is a benefit arising from a future event, it is fair to require a time limit, within which that benefit can be paid in anticipation. The intention is to include the number of weeks in regulations. The figure of six weeks which I mentioned was a courtesy intimation to the House. It is to be some time between eight weeks and six, within which the benefit shall be paid.

Amendment agreed to.