Lords Sitting of 7 August 1941

Preamble
The House met, The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
PHARMACY AND MEDICINES BILL.
Returned from the Commons, with the Amendments agreed to.

CONSOLIDATED FUND (APPROPRIATION) BILL.
Brought from the Commons, endorsed with the Certificate from the Speaker that the Bill is a Money Bill within the meaning of the Parliament Act, 1911, and read 1a.
Then, Standing Order No. XXXIX having been suspended, Bill read 2a: Committee negatived: Bill read 3a, and passed.

INDIA AND BURMA (POSTPONE MENT OF ELECTIONS) BILL.
Read 3a (according to Order), and passed, and sent to the Commons.

ANTI-AIRCRAFT COMMAND.
LORD DAVIES: My Lords, I beg to ask the question standing in my name.
[The question was as follows:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Commander-in-Chief of the Anti-Aircraft Command was consulted before the recent issue of an Army Council Instruction having the effect of degrading officers commanding certain units of that Command.]
THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD CROFT): My Lords, the decision to downgrade the rank held by the Commanders of Anti-Aircraft formations was made by the Army Council as part of a general review of the ranks appropriate for appointments throughout the Army. The interests of existing holders of the appointments affected by the review are being safeguarded.
LORD DAVIES: My Lords, arising out of that reply can my noble friend give an assurance that it is not intended in any way to minimise or disparage the services of the anti-aircraft establishments who have done such splendid work ever since the beginning of the war?
LORD CROFT: My Lords, I can certainly give that assurance.
House adjourned during pleasure.
House resumed

ROYAL COMMISSION.
The following Bills received the Royal Assent:

Appropriation,

National Health Insurance, Contributory Pensions and Workmen's Compensation,

War Damage to Land (Scotland),

Landlord and Tenant (War Damage) (Amendment),

Pharmacy and Medicines,

Provisional Orders (Marriages) Confirmation,

Cardiff Corporation,

East Worcestershire Water.

House adjourned.