HC Deb 06 May 1947 vol 437 cc229-358

Considered in Committee.

[MAJOR MILNER in the Chair]

4.1 p.m.

Mr. Eden (Warwick and Leamington)

On a point of Order, Major Milner. Before you call the first Amendment, could we have some guidance as to your intentions in regard to grouping Amendments, or anything of that kind? That would be of assistance to the Committee.

The Chairman

It is not usual to do that, of course, but I shall be very glad to give the right hon. Gentleman what information I can, as far as the first page or two of the Order Paper are concerned, although I understand that the hon. and learned Member for Daventry (Mr. Manningham-Buller) already has that information.

Mr. Clement Davies (Montgomery)

Would not it be convenient for all hon. Members to know it? Could not you announce it now for the convenience of all?

The Chairman

It is not the practice to announce selected Amendments beforehand. If the right hon. and learned Member or anyone from his party would inquire, I should be very happy to give what information I can, without prejudice lo any subsequent decision. I cannot do more than that. I propose to call the Amendment in Clause 1, page 1, line 9, in the name of the hon. Member for Southall (Mr. Ayles), and then I may perhaps go so far as to say that as at present advised it is proposed to take the territorial Amendments, if I may so term them, together.

Mr. Churchill (Woodford)

Do I understand, Major Milner, that you propose to take the three territorial Amendments together instead of separately?

The Chairman

I merely propose that the discussion on all five, not three, should take place in the same Debate. There will be opportunities for separate Divisions on separate Amendments, if that is desired.

Mr. C. Davies

Would it be convenient to make our representations to you with regard to that now or wait until you call them? We should like to make some representations in that regard.

The Chairman

I think they had better be made either privately or when we come to the point at issue.

Sir Hugh O'Neill (Antrim)

I should like to call your attention Major Milner to the Amendment standing in the name of my hon. Friend the Member for Londonderry (Sir R. Ross): In Clause 1, page 1, line 11, to leave out "Great Britain," and to insert "United Kingdom." Supposing it is decided on the previous Amendment—in Clause 1, page 1, line 11, to leave out "Great Britain," and to insert "England"—that the words "Great Britain" shall stand part, might not a difficulty arise? Therefore would it not be better if my hon. Friend and those supporting him, including myself, handed in a manuscript Amendment—in case the words "Great Britain" stand part—to this effect: "After Great Britain' to insert and Northern Ireland'"? We want to get a separate Division on that point.

The Chairman

I do not think my decision on these matters is in the least arguable but I appreciate that point made by the right hon. Gentleman, and if the Committee decide that the words "Great Britain" should stand part, I see no reason why the hon. Member should not submit to me a manuscript Amendment dealing with the question of Northern Ireland. I do not think I can be asked to say more than that.

    cc231-358
  1. CLAUSE 1.—(Liability to be called up for service.) 51,254 words, 3 divisions