HL Deb 23 June 1938 vol 110 cc282-4

LORD CLWYD rose to ask His Majesty's Government whether they are in a position to make a further statement as to the date of the new Bill relating to clubs. The noble Lord said: My Lords, in bringing this Question forward for the fourth time this Session, I will not go over ground which I have traversed on more than one occasion. But I would like again, if I may, to remind the Government of the very great urgency in connection with the provision of this legislation which arises from the present state of the law with regard to clubs. I feel I ought to add this. I cannot quite understand the delay which has taken place in regard to the introduction of this Bill. Here is a measure which has behind it an exceptional weight of public opinion in the country. It is a measure which, by common consent, is required in the public interest. Further than that, in the present Parliamentary position we have a Government which commands an overwhelming majority, and in regard to this particular Bill that majority would in all probability be even greater than under ordinary conditions. As a somewhat old Parliamentarian I recognise the difficulties of introducing a Bill of this sort at this stage of the Session, but I would very strongly press on the Government the necessity for some assurance that in the event of their not being able to introduce the Bill this Session they will introduce a Bill next Session at a time which will enable it to pass. I beg to ask the Question.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, as the House is probably aware, it was the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce a Bill on this subject during the present Session, but at this date and after reviewing all the claims on the time of Parliament during the remainder of the Session the Government can see no hope of finding the necessary time, and they have regretfully come to the conclusion that it will not be possible to include such a Bill in this Session's programme. I will convey to the Secretary of State the further remarks which my noble friend Lord Clwyd has made, but I feel certain that at this stage it would be impossible for me to anticipate the programme which is likely to be placed before your Lordships next Session. Nevertheless, as I say, I will communicate to the Secretary of State the remarks which fell from the noble Lord.

The LORD CHANCELLOR acquainted the House, That the Clerk of the Parliaments had laid upon the Table the Certificate from the Examiners that the further Standing Orders applicable to the following Bills have been complied with:—

The same was ordered to lie on the Table.