Lords Sitting of 27 May 1941

Preamble
The House met, The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY (VARIATION OF DIRECTORS' QUALIFICATION) BILL. [H.L.]
Order of the day for the Third Reading read.
THE CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEES (THE EARL OF ONSLOW): My Lords, I have just one word to say upon this Bill. After the Second Reading a certain amount of opposition was voiced unofficially, and the matter was very carefully gone into. As the result of the discussions which have taken place, both official and unofficial, the opposition has been withdrawn, so I do not see why I should not move that the Bill be read a third time in the same way as I moved that it be read a second time. As your Lordships know, if there is any opposition to a Bill it is not my function as Chairman of Committees to move either the First Second, or Third Reading. I only do so formally for the purpose of saving time, but in this case, as all opposition has been withdrawn, I am now free to move that the Bill be read a third time.
Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a.—(The Earl of Onslow.)
LORD ADDISON: My Lords, with reference to the observations of the Lord Chairman, I was one of those concerned in the opposition to which he referred, which arose from the fact that a statement had been issued in the Press to the effect that a gentleman, no doubt very distinguished, had been appointed to the board contrary to the law. Under the provisions of the previous Act, it is not open to the company to appoint to the board a servant of the company. It seems to me that that is a law that might possibly be altered, but the appointment appears to have been reported as if it had been formally made. However, I am sure that that was due to a misunderstanding, as it was expected that the matter would be regularised by an Order under the Defence Regulations. In fact, the gentleman referred to, Sir James Milne,
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I am authoritatively informed, has never been appointed a director, never taken his seat, never taken any pay, and could not be a director unless, and until, Parliament sanctioned this Bill. There was an unfortunate misunderstanding which led to the issue of the statement which gave rise to the impression that an illegal act was being committed, whereas in fact inquiry has shown that that is not the case. In these circumstances I am glad to be authorised to make this statement, and to clear away any misapprehension that may have arisen.
On Question, Bill read 3a, and passed, and sent to the Commons.

HOME DEFENCE.
LORD DAVIES AND LORD PHILLIMORE LORD DAVIES AND LORD PHILLIMORE had given Notice that they would raise a question connected with Home Defence, and move for Papers.
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (LORD MOYNE): My Lords, I beg to move that the House do now sit in secret.
Moved, That the sitting of the House to consider Motions of the Lord Davies and the Lord Phillimore be in Secret Session.—(Lord Moyne.)
On Question, Motion agreed to, and ordered accordingly.
The Official Reporter then withdrew.
House in Secret Session.
House resumed in Open Session.

SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENTS ACT, 1932:

  RURAL DISTRICT OF MILDENHALL (PARISH OF BRANDON) ORDER.
  THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA AND BURMA (THE DUKE OF DEVONSHIRE): My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name.
  Moved, That the Orders made by the Secretary of State for the Home Department under the Sunday Entertainments Act, 1932, and laid before the House on Tuesday last, be approved.—(The Duke of Devonshire.)
  On Question, Motion agreed to.
  House adjourned.