§ 10.35 p.m.
§ Standing Order No. 44 having been suspended (pursuant to Resolution):
§ Lord SHEPHERDMy Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be read a second time.
§ Moved, That the Bill be now read 2a.—(Lord Shepherd.)
§ Lord HAILSHAM of SAINT MARYLEBONEMy Lords, in the speech to which the House has just listened, I explained that I do not propose to detain the House at this late hour, but will be saying more tomorrow on whether Clause 1 shall stand part of the Bill, if the House will forgive me for not making a formal speech now.
The Earl of SELKIRKMy Lords, may I ask a question? Today is 30th 1167 July, and these provisions come into operation on 1st August. On what wage settlement does this bite? Wage settlements reach all kinds of different stages; they are recommended and agreed. Does it fall only on those which are finally agreed, and on which payment has in fact been made? Or does it arise from questions of recommendations which in the ordinary course of events would be followed? It is important this should be understood.
§ Lord SHEPHERDMy Lords, if the noble Earl, Lord Selkirk, will raise this point tomorrow on Clause 1 of the Bill, I will guarantee that he is given a specific answer. There is a varied answer to it; it varies according to various types of settlement. I suggest that now is not the time to give an answer, but I will see that a reply is given to the noble Earl tomorrow on Clause 1 of the Bill.
§ On Question, Bill read 2a, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House.