HC Deb 25 May 1950 vol 475 cc2273-4

(1) If any person—

  1. (a) on being summoned, in accordance with rules made under section four of this Act, as a witness before the Commission, fails to attend; or
  2. (b) being in attendance as a witness refuses to take an oath or make an affirmation required in accordance with such rules to be taken or made, or to answer any question to which the Commission may legally require an answer; or
  3. (c) being required in accordance with such rules to produce any document or furnish any information, fails without reasonable excuse to comply with that requirement; or
  4. (d) does any other thing which would, if the Commission had been a court of law having power to commit for contempt, have been contempt of court;
the chairman of the Commission may certify the offence of that person under his hand to the High Court, and the court may thereupon inquire into the alleged offence and may punish or take steps for the punishment of that person in like manner as if he had been guilty of contempt of the court.

(2) A witness before the Commission shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before the High Court.

Brought up, and read the First time.

The Attorney-General

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."

Having explained its effect and purpose, I need not, perhaps, add anything to what I have already said.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.

Preamble agreed to.

Bill reported, with Amendments, as amended, considered: read the Third time, and passed.