HC Deb 23 May 1950 vol 475 cc1940-1

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Mainwaring

I should like to ask the Minister exactly what the Clause applies to. According to my reading of the Clause, the grants from the Treasury which it authorises are to meet the additional expenditure incurred … by virtue of the Bill. That would mean that the money thus provided has nothing to do with the existing obligations of the Coal Board but is purely for the additional obligation incurred by virtue of the Bill. If that is agreed to, I should like to have a statement from my right hon. Friend on the matter.

Mr. Noel-Baker

My hon. Friend the Member for Rhondda, East (Mr. Main-waring) is perfectly right. The Clause does not in any way affect the existing £1 million per annum which the Board have now spent as a result of the obligations they had before the Bill becomes an Act. The money here provided is for claims which will arise exclusively under the Bill.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.