HC Deb 24 April 1964 vol 693 cc1782-3
Mr. J. H. Osborn

I beg to move, in page 1, line 5, after "company" to insert: or an industrial and provident society".

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

I think that it would be possible to discuss with this Amendment the further five consequential Amendments in the name of the hon. Member for Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn).

It would have been possible to discuss, at the same time, the two Amendments in the, names of the hon. Member for East Ham, North (Mr. Oram) and his hon. Friends, but I understand that these are not to be moved.

Mr. Osborn

In Standing Committee, the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Darling) pointed out that Clause 1 appeared to discriminate against co-operative societies and made it impossible for them to engage in stamp trading if they wished. As I understand it, the Clause as it stands would not preclude a co-operative society from promoting a trading stamp scheme, if it wished to do so, by registering a company for this purpose under the Companies Act. However, there is no reason why co-operative societies should not be capable of trading in this way, and this series of Amendments covers the point. I hope that they will be acceptable.

Mr. Darling

In one sentence, I thank the hon. Gentleman for carrying out the undertaking which was given in Committee.

Mr. du Cann

May I take two sentences? First, I congratulate the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Darling) on his initiative which has led to the tabling of these Amendments. Second, from the Government's point of view, we think that these are wise Amendments, and I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. J. H. Osborn) on having put them down.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In page 2, line 1, after "this", insert "and the next following".

In page 2, line 4, at end insert: industrial and provident society" means a society registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1893.—[Mr. J. H. Osborn.]