HC Deb 30 April 1947 vol 436 cc2079-80

Amendment made: In page 78, line 33, at end, insert: Provided that the number of members of the Committee representing the interests of persons engaged in coastal shipping shall not be less than the number of representatives of the Commission on the said Committee."—[Mr. Barnes.]

Amendment proposed: In line 38, leave out from first "the," to second "to," in line 39, and insert "Minister may give."—[Mr. Barnes.]

Sir A. Herbert

On a point of Order, Mr. Speaker. I know you are doing your best, but I cannot hear a word of the Amendments.

Mr. Speaker

I am sorry the hon. Member cannot hear the Amendments, but if he was following them on the Order Paper I think he would have understood.

Sir A. Herbert

On a point of Order. Fhe whole proceeding seems to be an absolute farce—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member may say the whole proceeding is an absolute farce, but this is what the House has decided. I am carrying out a decision of the House and I have no option in the matter. One cannot criticise a decision which has been taken by a direct vote of the House. Therefore, I must carry on, and I cannot have the proceedings interrupted by that kind of point of Order.

Sir A. Herbert

Will you not allow me to finish my sentence, Mr. Speaker? I was not blaming you but if hon. Members opposite who have caused this situation—[Interruption.] May I finish my sentence?

Mr. Speaker

I think it would be better if hon. Members would not interrupt and would let me hear what the point of Order is.

Sir A. Herbert

I was going to say that if hon. Members opposite who have caused this situation would have the decency to be quiet, I might be able, with the Order Paper before me, to hear what the Amendments are.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In page 78, line 39, leave out "of."

In line 44, leave out from "interest," to end of line 45, and insert: and the Commission shall give effect to any such directions."—[Mr. Barnes.]