HC Deb 16 July 1954 vol 530 cc943-4
The Attorney-General (Sir Lionel Heald)

I beg to move, in page 1, line 9, to leave out "also." and to insert "nevertheless."

This is a drafting Amendment.

Mr. Geoffrey Bing (Hornchurch)

I shall be glad if we can have some information with regard to this Measure. This is an example of what we have been complaining about. We facilitate the passage of Government business and, as a result, an opportunity is taken to try to get through all sorts of matters "on the nod." It is a most undesirable practice. The business of the House ought to be run in a better way than by somebody merely coming to the Dispatch Box and nodding.

I see that the hon. Member for Ayr (Sir T. Moore) is no longer in the Chamber. When Measures are passed over, as the Pests Bill in which he was interested has been passed over, no other hon. Member is prepared to come forward, and it would be most undesirable if we were to proceed any further with this Measure today. It is difficult, when so much business has to be done, for hon. Members to prepare for this skip-and-jump method which is apparently now being employed by the Chief Whip in an endeavour to get business through. Everyone here is deeply sensitive to the harm done to the animal kingdom by preferring first the inhabitants of the Isle of Man and now charitable trusts—

Mr. Speaker

rose—

Mr. Bing

I am sorry Sir, I perceived the same point myself as you rose, but I was carried away. I hope that fairly soon we shall have an adequate explanation from the Attorney-General as to what all this is about and what this Amendment is designed to do. This is not the way to treat the House, and when my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Neepsend (Sir F. Soskice) was on the Front Bench, it was said of him that he was always careful to explain every matter to the House. I commend that same plan to the Attorney-General. I appreciate that the right hon. and learned Gentleman has been brought in at the last moment but it is impossible—

It being Four o'Clock, the debate stood adjourned.

Debate to be resumed upon Monday next.