Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Gorffennaf 1922.
There is a series of Amendments to the Clause standing in my name on the Paper. I have no desire to adopt any tactics which may be regarded as in the slightest degree obstructive. I have made my remarks in connection with this Clause already on the Question "that the Clause be read a Second time," and they cover the greater part of the ground. With a view to saving time, I would ask my hon. Friend whether he is prepared to accept one or other of my Amendments to this Clause. By leave of the House, I will defer my remarks to the third and fourth Amendments. If my hon. Friend will accept either of those, I will be content. The third Amendment simply provides that, if a power company is able and willing to supply, it shall be allowed to do so. In other words, it shall he allowed to fulfil the definite binding obligation, given under Clause 15, and this allows the Government to fulfil the undertaking, which in my view, rightly or wrongly, they are attempting to evade by arranging in Committee a discussion upon an Amendment which was moved by the hon. Member for Whitechapel. Alternatively, will the Parliamentary Secretary accept the last of the Amendments on the Paper in my name? I feel certain that on reflection my hon. Friend is bound to agree that I am not asking him to make any concession, but simply to fulfil the obligations which he has already undertaken.