HC Deb 20 June 1973 vol 858 c802

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Mr. McNamara

On behalf of the Opposition I welcome this clause. It does away with what was a very real grievance for some people in Northern Ireland, who found the necessity to take oaths to obtain certain jobs a great burden. It is an important matter, when the taking of such oaths was not really necessary for the pursuance of the employment in question.

Subsection (2)(b) contains provision for a subsequent measure to enact that an oath shall be taken. No doubt we are right to assume that this will be for purposes other than religious or political discrimination, because of the provisions that we have already passed. If there were any doubt, the matter would eventually have to go to the Secretary of State and the Privy Council. I mention the point in case anyone is thinking that the provisions leaves a loophole through which such an oath could be introduced. We read the Bill as adequately preventing the discrimination that existed before.

Mr. Mills

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for what he said. Clause 21 prevents specific authorities and bodies from requiring persons to take an oath or declaration as a condition of employment of service or appointment, except in certain circumstances. It implements paragraph 64 of the White Paper. Following the White Paper those declarations required by the law of Northern Ireland were reviewed—

It being Ten o'clock, The CHAIRMAN left the Chair to report Progress and ask leave to sit again.

Committee report Progress.

    c802
  1. BUSINESS OF THE HOUSE 20 words