HC Deb 27 July 1951 vol 491 cc841-2

Considered in Committee.

[Major MILNER in the Chair]

12.23 p.m.

The Chairman

If it is convenient to hon. Members, I propose to take the Clauses in groups.

Clauses 1 to 16 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That Clauses 17 to 27 stand part of the Bill."

Sir William Darling (Edinburgh, South)

Could we have an explanation of these Clauses? This is a Scottish Bill, but there seems to be no representative of Scotland here for the Government. I should like some elucidation of this matter.

The Chairman

This Measure is purely a consolidation Bill; it consolidates existing law.

Sir W. Darling

I understand that, but explanations may still be necessary. There is no guarantee that a purely consolidation Measure is more readily understood than any other Measure. Is there no Scottish representative here?

The Chairman

I understand that if there is any specific question the Attorney-General is in a position to deal with it, but I do not see how there can be on a Bill which merely consolidates the existing law.

Sir W. Darling

You would be surprised, Major Milner, at man's ingenuity.

The Chairman

Not in the least. Question put, and agreed to.

Clauses ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Remaining Clauses ordered to stand part of the Bill.

First and Second Schedules agreed to.

Bill reported, without Amendment; read the Third time and passed, without Amendment.