HC Deb 17 October 1946 vol 427 cc1068-9

3.45 p.m.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Thomas Fraser)

I beg to move, in page 1, line 9, after the second "in," to insert, "the year preceding."

I think it would be for the convenience of the Committee if I addressed myself, at the same time, to the remaining three Amendments on the Order Paper, which are consequential.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan (Perth and Kinross, Perth)

On a point of Order, Major Milner. May I ask which Measure is under consideration?

The Chairman

The first item on the Order Paper.

Mr. Fraser

These Amendments, taken together, provide that the allocation of expenses incurred by the Association shall be on the basis of the rateable valuation for the preceding year. As the Clause now reads they would be based on that for the current year.

Earl Winterton (Horsham)

On a point of Order, Major Milner. In order to protect the rights of the Committee, should not a Minister, when he wishes to take four Amendments together, ask your permission and that of the Committee?

The Chairman

In reply to the noble Lord, the hon. Gentleman did ask permission and I thought I indicated my assent. Perhaps I did not make it sufficiently clear, but I agreed that the four Amendments might be discussed at the same time.

Mr. Fraser

I need only say further that it would be for the convenience of the county councils to have the rateable valuation for the previous year taken into account for the purpose of allocation rattier than that for the current year, and the Amendments would provide for this.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made:

In page 1, line 15, after "said," insert "preceding."

In page 2, line 3, after "said," insert "preceding."

In line 16, after "said," to insert "preceding."—[Mr. T. Fraser.]

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

Clauses 2 and 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.