HC Deb 20 June 1955 vol 542 cc1078-9

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Bill be referred to the Scottish Standing Committee.—[Mr. J. Nixon Browne.]

Mr. Emrys Hughes (South Ayrshire)

This is a Motion on which we should have more information from the Government. We should not agree to it "on the nod."

Mr. Deputy-Speaker (Sir Charles MacAndrew)

Under Standing Order No. 60 (2), the Motion must be put without amendment or debate.

Mr. Hughes

The Motion before the House is that this Bill be remitted to the Scottish Grand Committee, and I wish to oppose its remission.

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

The way in which that could be done would be for 10 hon. Members to stand in their places to show their opposition to it, in which case the Motion would be defeated.

Mr. Glenvil Hall (Colne Valley)

Surely we are entitled to have a Scottish Minister on the Bench, even if the Motion is not debatable.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Nixon Browne)

I moved the Motion.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

I beg the hon. Gentleman's pardon.

Mr. Hughes

On a point of order. This is another injustice to Scotland. This is a most important Bill. Whereas the English Bill was taken on the Floor of the House, this Bill is to be referred to the Scottish Grand Committee. I should like to raise the whole question of whether the Scottish Grand Committee is capable of taking the Bill.

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

That could not be raised now. If the hon. Gentleman looks at Standing Order No. 60 (2) he will see that the procedure is laid down. Unless 10 hon. Members stand in their places to signify that they are against what is proposed, nothing can be done.

Question put and agreed to.