HC Deb 28 January 1958 vol 581 cc325-6

Order for Second Reading read.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That the Bill be now read a Second time.—[The Solicitor-General.]

9.32 p.m.

Mr. John Rankin (Glasgow, Govan)

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. We have had no explanation at all from the Government side of this Bill. I agree that it is a consolidation Measure, and I suppose it might be anticipated that we would follow the practice which has been followed in another place and that the Bill would go through in all its stages merely on the nod. I had thought that at least there would be someone representing the Board of Trade on the Front Bench to tell us about this consolidation Measure and to make a statement about it on behalf of the Government.

Surely, in a Measure of this kind, while we shall not in any way dispute the consolidation, or the need for it, the point of administration is surely one that can be dealt with when we deal with a Measure of this kind. That is how all the Acts that are now being consolidated in one Bill will be carried out. We will levy a tax and collect tax from an industry which, at the moment, is almost dying on its feet.

Mr. Speaker

I understood that the hon. Member rose to a point of order. I have not yet heard a point of order.

Mr. Rankin

I am sorry, Mr. Speaker, but I had hoped that during the time I was raising the point, of order there might have been a responsible Minister from the Department on the Front Bench, and that we might have heard a word from the Department on this Bill. If I may assume that the Solicitor-General is acting in that capacity, I am prepared to resume my seat forthwith and to hear him.

The Solicitor-General (Sir Harry Hylton-Foster)

So that there might be no sign of discourtesy to the House or to the hon. Gentleman, I will explain that this is purely a consolidation Bill. The hon. Gentleman has said that he does not dispute the consolidation or the need for it. As far as I understand the rules of order, Mr. Speaker, that is the only topic that we can discuss and it therefore embarrasses me to assist the hon. Gentleman, who does not desire to object to the only topic that I may discuss in his presence.

Mr. Rankin

I want to thank the right hon. and learned Gentleman for the speech which he has made and I am sorry that it has, evidently necessarily, been so short. Is it not in order to say something about the administration of this Measure?

Mr. Speaker

It is not in order to do so on Second Reading. The only question before the House on the principle of the Bill is whether it is advisable to consolidate these various enactments, as is now proposed, or to leave them scattered about in different Finance Acts and other Statutes. That is the only question which is in order on the Second Reading of a consolidation Bill.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill accordingly read a Second time.

Bill committed to a Committee of the whole House.—[Colonel J. H. Harrison.]

Committee Tomorrow.