HL Deb 23 December 1920 vol 39 cc916-7

Clause 10, page 17, line 35, after ("or") insert ("() the workman does not cease to occupy the dwelling-house on the expiration of the notice to terminate his occupation thereof or on the expiration of a period of fourteen days from the date when the notice was given whichever is the later; or

The Commons propose to amend this Amendment as follows:

Line 4, leave out ("fourteen days") and insert ("two months").

LORD LEE OF FAREHAM

The Commons are prepared to agree to this Amendment subject to the substitution of "two months" for "fourteen days." Your Lordships will recollect that the Amendment was moved in Committee by me, but at the time one of your Lordships, Lord Bledisloe I think, expressed the opinion that a longer period ought to have been inserted and that at least a month ought to elapse before a notice to quit a cottage took effect. It is true that several of your Lordships, including perhaps myself, expressed the opinion that whatever the period was it was not always possible to give effect to it. Apparently, those representing the interests of Labour in the House of Commons took an exceedingly strong view on this point, and it received the approval of the entire House, including those who represent landlords more particularly. Indeed, I understand that it was a very prominent landlord member of the other place who moved to insert "two months" as being more generous treatment to the workman. In these circumstances I hope that we shall not insist.

Moved, That this House doth not insist upon the said Amendment, and agree to the Amendments made by the Commons.—(Lord Lee of Fareham.)

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

It was an Amendment put in by the Government in the House of Lords, and we leave it entirely to them.

On Question, Motion agreed to.