HC Deb 17 November 1964 vol 702 cc228-9
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Niall MacDermot)

I beg to move, in page 2, line 2, after "1919", to insert "continues".

I presume that it would be convenient to discuss the next Amendment with this one.

The Deputy-Chairman (Sir Harry Legge-Bourke)

Yes.

Mr. MacDermot

These are two drafting Amendments which we propose at the request of the Northern Ireland Government so far as the operation of the Bill relates to Northern Ireland.

I can explain the matter very briefly. I invite hon. Members to look at Clause 1(3) of the Bill. They will see that it proposes to continue in force Section 3 of the Emergency Laws (Repeal) Act, 1959. It also makes a consequential amendment to suspend the effects of Section 10(3) of that Act. The purpose of these Amend-ments is to make it clear that that consequential amendment applies to Northern Ireland as well as the continuation of Section3.

Sir E. Boyle

I recall during recent years, on a number of occasions, Ministers moving drafting Amendments, and the question whether or not they were purely drafting leading to controversy in the Committee. The Government must not think that all the Amendments described as drafting will be accepted as such, but on this occasion the hon. and learned Gentleman has fully made his case.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 2, line 3, after first "and", insert: amends section 10(3) thereof, and continues".—[Mr. MacDermot.]

Question proposed, That the Clause, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

Mr. G. A. Pargiter (Southall)

Sir Harry, would it be appropriate here for me to refer to the Commonwealth Immigration Act?

The Deputy-Chairman

Consideration of that matter must wait until we reach the Schedule.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.