HC Deb 08 February 1956 vol 548 cc1684-5
Mr. G. M. Thomson

I beg to move, in page 11, line 18, after "premises," to insert "or other place."

This Amendment has been put down because during the proceedings on the Committee stage I pointed out that in Clause 14 (1) only the word "premises" is used, while in Clause 14 (2), in line 33, the definition of "premises" is extended to include "vehicles, stalls or places." In Committee I suggested that this extended definition was thoroughly desirable and I asked the Lord Advocate why it was not included in subsection (1). He replied: I will certainly look into that. There may be a very good reason, and I should not like to give a snap answer."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, Scottish Standing Committee; 3rd November, 1955, c. 298.] The Amendment has been tabled so that the Lord Advocate can now give us a considered, instead of a snap, answer.

Mr. William Hannan (Glasgow, Mary-hill)

I beg to second the Amendment.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Two observations occur to me. One is that if the words, "or other place" are inserted after "premises," they would appear to be redundant, having regard to the meaning of "premises" in the definition Clause. "Premises" is there defined as meaning: …a building or any part thereof and any forecourts, yards and places of storage used in connection therewith. With that definition the word "premises" seems to be a generic word. Alternatively, if the words "or other place" are to be inserted on the third line of the Clause, the words "or other place" should also be inserted after the word "premises" in line 22.

The Lord Advocate

I am glad to have the opportunity of giving the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Mr. G. M. Thomson) an explanation of the omission of the words which he seeks to insert. The House will note that Clause 14 (1) deals with premises and premises alone. Clause 14 (2) deals with places other than premises. It would accordingly be inappropriate and quite unnecessary to put in "or other place" after the word "premises" in the third line of Clause 14 (1), because the type of other place to which the hon. Member no doubt refers is covered in Clause 14 (2). The two subsections deal with different subjects. In view of that explanation, the hon. Member might feel disposed to withdraw his Amendment.

Mr. G. M. Thomson

I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.