Orders of the Day — ELECTRICITY (SUPPLY) BILL [Lords].

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Gorffennaf 1922.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Arthur Neal Mr Arthur Neal , Sheffield, Hillsborough

If I might answer the hon. Member for Stafford (Mr. Ormsby-Gore), I would say that the Section which deals generally with these special Orders—of which there are many of a formal and non-controversial character—is Section 26 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1919. The proviso reads thus: Provided that a special Order made in pursuance of the powers conferred by this Section shall be laid before each House of Parliament and shall not come into force unless and until approved either with or without modifications, by a Resolution passed by each such House. I think that deals with the point which the hon. Gentleman has put to me. If I may say so, I am grateful to you, Mr. Speaker, for giving me your assistance in the matter, and making the position so clear with reference to Standing Orders generally. We now have it on the authority of Mr. Speaker that a special Order, which raises controversial points, which could not be dealt with conveniently on the Floor of the House could, under his ruling, be referred to a Select Committee. The special Orders under consideration are, of course, of very great importance indeed, and what I was promising, as far as I might, was that if opposition were raised 10 these Orders, the Government would endeavour to give ample Parliamentary time for their discussion, and not try to struggle them through in the dead of the night, when some hon. Members might not be here to take part in the discussion. I hope in that way we have endeavoured to meet quite fully the points that were raised, and that we may dispose of the Amendment of my hon. Friend.