§ Order for Second reading read.
§ 3.25 p.m.
§ Mr. William Hamling (Woolwich, West)I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time.
May I first congratulate the hon. Member for Southend, West (Mr. Channon) on the very successful way in which his Bill managed to go through the House. Those of us with some experience previously of trying to get Private Members' Bills through on a Friday have had very uneven experiences.
The Bill which I have the honour to present to the House is a very simple measure. It is virtually a one-clause Bill. It is to deal with a nuisance which is arising on the carriage of goods abroad—that is, the use of forged licences or permits.
The purpose of the Bill is to prevent the use of forged licences or permits by what I can only describe as rather unscrupulous operators. The use of these permits is a very severe hindrance and difficulty for legitimate traders and operators who take the trouble to conform with the regulations and rules laid down as between this country and European countries. This use of forged permits has been proliferating. It is a very serious hindrance to the relationship of this country with France, Belgium and various other European countries. It has reached the level of an international scandal.
The purpose of the Bill is to protect the legitimate trader and to prevent the use of forged permits and licences. I hope very much that it will receive support from all quarters of the House.
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Bill accordingly read a Second time.
§ Bill committed to a Standing Committee pursuant to Standing Order No. 40 (Committal of Bills).