HC Deb 18 July 1956 vol 556 cc1248-9
Lords Amendment

In page 7, line 2, leave out "the last preceding section" and insert: either of the two last preceding sections".

5.0 p.m.

Mr. Watkinson

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

This Amendment is consequential on new Clause A.

Mr. Glenvil Hall (Colne Valley)

Is it consequential? I had expected a better explanation of the Amendment than that. I have read it more than once and I can make neither head nor tail of it. What we are here proposing is to leave out the last preceding section and to insert either of the two last preceding sections. I have heard of one Section being last, but not two. Perhaps the Minister will tell us which of the Sections to which the Amendment refers is to be the last.

I know that this Amendment comes to us from another place, where the vast majority of those who sit there have had the advantage of an excellent education, but I must say that I have never heard of two being last. I know that one can sometimes have a photo finish and have two being equally first, but I have never heard of two being last. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will explain what is meant by these words, which appear to be completely ungrammatical and to make nonsense.

Mr. Watkinson

The purpose of the Amendment is to secure that if any of the vehicles are trailers, licences granted to the Commission under Part II of the First Schedule of the Transport Act, 1953, shall be reduced by that number, also.

Mr. G. R. Strauss

Although that may be the purpose, the wording is the worst possible grammar and those responsible should be ashamed of themselves.