HC Deb 19 November 1954 vol 533 cc727-8

Lords Amendment: In page 93, line 42, leave out Clause 157.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

The Clause deals with the penalties to be applied for the supply of defective equipment for mines and quarries. Hon. Members will recall that at various stages of the Bill we had many discussions on this subject and, in response to appeals made to him, my right hon. Friend agreed that we should reconsider the whole question. That reconsideration has taken place. During the course of it we frankly came to the conclusion that the Clause was not going to be an effective provision at all and that the onus to which it referred was too difficult to establish and to prove. We have come to the conclusion that the operation of the Merchandise Marks Act, and such provisions as my right hon. Friend is able to make by way of regulations, can adequately safeguard the position. Accordingly, we commend to the House agreement with the Lords Amendment.

Question put, and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments, to the Amendment in page 99, lines 13 to 27, agreed to.