HC Deb 30 April 1964 vol 694 c763
Mr. Brooke

I beg to move, in page 29, line 31, to leave out "Part II of this Act" and to insert: The following provisions of this Act, that is to say, Part II (except section 31)". Perhaps my previous explanation of this Amendment in the wrong place may be taken as spoken.

Mr. MacColl

It took some temerity to question so competent a craftsman as the Home Secretary and I am quite willing to believe that words do not mean what they seem to mean, but this did seem rather odd. My point is that I cannot find where Clause 31 comes into force. It seems to be rather left in the air. We are saying that Part II will come into force except Clause 31, as I understand it. I should like to be absolutely sure because, while this may not be a matter of life and death, it is one of lunch and dinner for justices. I want to be certain that we are going to get our money quickly. I should be grateful if the right hon. Gentleman would put his finger on precisely how it will come.

Mr. Brooke

I think I can get it right this time and satisfy the hon. Member. As I am sure he will recall, under an Act of 1796 all Acts of Parliament come into force on the day of the Royal Assent unless the contrary is provided. We are not providing the contrary in relation to Clause 31 and, therefore, it will come into operation on the day of the Royal Assent.

Amendment agreed to.