HL Deb 30 June 1948 vol 157 cc107-8

Clause 43, page 30, line 22, leave out ("including,") and insert ("being)

Clause 43, page 30, line 23, at end insert ("and persons having such other qualifications as the Secretary of State considers requisite.

Among the persons appointed under this subsection there shall be persons having experience in local government.")

LORD MORRISON

My Lords, these two Amendments put more emphasis on the appointment of persons qualified in matters affecting the welfare of children and provide for the appointment of persons having local government experience. I beg to move that this House do agree with the Commons in the said Amendments.

Moved, That this House do agree with the Commons in the said Amendments.—(Lord Morrison.)

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

My Lords, may I ask one question? Why is it necessary for these persons to have local government experience? It seems to me so much more important that they should have experience of welfare. I do not see the point.

LORD MORRISON

My Lords, to anyone serving on these committees, local government experience is most valuable; and anyone who has no knowledge of local government would be severely handicapped, and probably not so effective as if he had that knowledge.

THE EARL OF MUNSTER

Does the same argument apply to people who engage for voluntary work in children's homes?

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

Although a knowledge of children is the first prerequisite, if one has to gear up all these things with local authority arrangements it is very useful to have some knowledge of the functioning of the local government machine.

On Question, Amendments agreed to.