HC Deb 15 July 1955 vol 543 cc2247-8

Considered in Committee, and reported without Amendment.

11.6 a.m.

The Postmaster-General (Dr. Charles Hill)

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.

In the Second Reading debate the Bill was warmly welcomed by hon. Members on both sides of the House, and there is nothing I wish to add, unless the hon. Member for Keighley (Mr. Hobson) or anyone else wishes to raise a question.

Mr. C. R. Hobson (Keighley)

As was stated during the Second Reading debate, we welcome the Bill. No doubt the Government will give an assurance that they will expedite its passage into law. There are only two questions which I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman. First, can he tell us when the Bill w ill become operative? Secondly, in what way will the reduction be made? Will it be made on the expiry of the existing licences when the occupants of houses where blind persons live seek to renew those licences? Will the appropriate reduction of £1 be made then?

Dr. Hill

It is hoped that the Bill will pass through all its stages here today. I cannot anticipate the course of events in another place, but I believe that the Second Reading debate will take place there next week, and there is every reason to suppose that the Bill will pass through both Houses and receive the Royal Assent at a very early date. From that moment the Postmaster-General is empowered to make the reduction, and it is proposed to proceed without delay to make that reduction. I cannot give precise details of the way in which it is proposed to apply it to those who are current holders of licences, but I shall seek to secure that the reduction is made, in whole or in part—according to whether a licence is held or a future licence is applied for—with the least possible delay.

Mr. Hobson

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will welcome a Question on that point.

Mr. Edward Evans (Lowestoft)

I rise to give the Bill a very warm welcome. I have been working for most of my professional life in close touch with the interests of the blind, and I am quite sure that all persons and organisations are grateful for the concessions given by the Government in this Measure which, though not extensive, shows the interest of the Government and of Members of this House in those who suffer from this very grave affliction.

Sir Ian Fraser (Morecambe and Lonsdale)

I should like to thank the officials of the Post Office, the Clerks of the House, the Ministers and all hon. Members of the House for this kindly action.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.