§ Not amended (in the Standing Committee), considered.
§ 1.31 p.m.
§ Sir Myer Galpern (Glasgow, Shettleston)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time.
When wise and eminently practical legislation comes before the House, it invariably receives a speedy, harmonious and unopposed welcome. I think that the absence of amendment to this Bill signifies that it falls within that category and that it has the warm support of all the bodies intimately and primarily concerned with this matter, namely, the Home Office, the Scottish Office, the police federations and the local authorities.
The Bill is designed to simplify and bring up to date the law relating to the constitution and proceedings of the police federations. I am sure that its provisions will cement the harmonious relationship which has existed for so long between members of the police forces and the authorities, and that it will lead to a great deal of satisfaction. I trust that the Bill will receive the House's blessing and that it will emerge unassailed and uncriticised.
§ 1.33 p.m.
§ Sir Barnett Janner (Leicester, North-West)I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Shettleston (Sir M. Galpern) on introducing his Bill, which affects an important section of the community, and I hope that it will soon be on the Statute Book.
I speak on this Bill because I had a considerable experience with the police forces in my early days in practice. Anything done to help the men in the police forces who perform an extremely difficult and very useful task in our society should be encouraged. The House should congratulate my hon. Friend for seeking to bring up to date and simplify the procedure with which the Bill deals. I am sure that the police forces of the country will be grateful to him, and it is only proper that we in the House should thank him for having thought of this desirable Measure and for having introduced it.
§ 1.34 p.m.
§ Dr. Alan Glyn (Clapham)I wish to add my tribute to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Shettleston (Sir M. Galpern) for introducing this very small but important Measure which affects members of the community to whom we all owe a debt. It is a small Measure, but it has the effect, not only of showing them our appreciation, but of helping them in a practical way.
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. David Renton)Lest silence should indicate dissent, may I add my tribute, not only to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Shettleston (Sir M. Galpern), but also to the many police officers whom the Bill will benefit.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read the Third time and passed.