HC Deb 18 November 1949 vol 469 c2418
Mr. Blenkinsop

I beg to move, in page 10, line 27, at the end, to insert: (2) This Act shall not extend to Northern Ireland.

Sir Ronald Ross (Londonderry)

This is a matter of considerable importance in Northern Ireland. It is of much more importance than is generally recognised, because the decision that was taken by the local people of Northern Ireland to stand by the United Kingdom in the war with every means at their disposal was answered by savage attacks by the German Air Force. The number of killed in Belfast, for instance, I believe exceeds the number of killed either in Southampton or Portsmouth. At the same time, I think this is one of the things which lies within the competence of the Parliament of Northern Ireland, and that they are the best possible people to deal with it. I do not often find myself in complete agreement with the Minister, but in this case I hope the Committee will accept the Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

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