HC Deb 03 April 1952 vol 498 cc2123-4

The following New Clause stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. HEAD: Section one hundred and ninety of the Army Act and section one hundred and ninety of the Air Force Act shall each have effect with the substitution, for the definition of "decoration" in paragraph (18) thereof, of the following definition:— 'decoration' includes any medal, clasp or good-conduct badge.

2.15 a.m.

Mr. Head

I gave an undertaking yesterday that I would move this and the following new Clauses relating to 8-day reports and volunteers.

I would suggest that, in view of my undertaking and the appointment of a new committee, it would be more desirable—I am entirely in the hands of the Committee—to leave them for consideration by the committee as they are not of very considerable moment. One is to leave out militia, and the other is to leave out volunteers. In the light of the task which is to come before the committee, it is more satisfactory that I should leave them for the time being.

Mr. Strachey

I think that is satisfactory.

Mr. Head

I did wish to include all three of my new Clauses, including the one concerning declarations.

Mr. Bing

The first one in regard to declarations is a generous action on the part of the right hon. Gentleman in response to an Amendment moved by myself. That is one which might well stand over. It seems to me that the second of the right hon. Gentleman's Clauses, on the 8-day report, does contain a matter of value. The third Clause is one which deals with the volunteers in the militia and is also in response to an Amendment. I would be perfectly prepared to see that matter stand over until we re-define the matter generally. The 8-day report Clause is rather different, and if that were moved it would probably be of some value, generally speaking.

Mr. Head

I agree with the hon. and learned Gentleman. That is a Clause of substance, which forms a considerable part of recommendations which will be incorporated in the Bill. We are taking one particular part, which I gave an undertaking to introduce. We are taking one small part and putting it in, and a great many of its followers will be coming into the Bill at a later stage, because this results from the recommendation of the Lewis Committee. I am in the hands of the Committee. If hon. Members want it in, I can do it now—I have no strong feelings on the matter.

Mr. Wigg

I am inclined to think that the Secretary of State is right. To take it out with the other two and leave it to go to the committee … that would be the most satisfactory thing. It is not a matter of any great moment and I think it would be far better if we left it for the time being.

Mr. Fletcher

I do not agree.

The Chairman

We are really debating nothing now at the moment.

Mr. E. Fletcher

On a point of order. Am I to understand that we are now proceeding to the Schedules without dealing with the other new Clauses?

The Chairman

I was led to believe that the three new Clauses were not to be moved.

Mr. Fletcher

There are various other new Clauses. I was asking you about various other new Clauses and whether you are prepared to take them before we come to the Schedules.

Mr. Strachey

I think that it would be appropriate if I suggested that, collectively, as it were, and in the circumstances of which the Committee are well aware, we on this side abstained from moving the somewhat numerous new Clauses which are on the Order Paper in our names.