Claluse 1. — (Validity of certain War charges and levies.)

Part of Orders of the Day — WAR CHARGES (VALIDITY) (No. 2) BILL. – in the House of Commons am ar 21 Mai 1924.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Charles Royle Mr Charles Royle , Stockport

Amid all the legal arguments which we have heard it is difficult for a mere layman to comprehend the real position, and I would like your ruling as to whether it would be permissible for me to extend the scope of this Amendment to a later date, in view of the fact that we have heard, I think from the Attorney-General, this afternoon that a decision on the matter was given in one of our Courts. I say this because there are other claimants in connection with this matter as well as those who might come under the date mentioned in the Amendment. Personally I want to say emphatically that I am not so much concerned about the £18,000,000 that may be involved in the total, but I am concerned that as a country we shall do the right thing, whatever it costs, and the principle which I have in mind arises from the fact that there is a number of people who have taken a certain course at law in connection with Petitions of Right down to dates in 1923, and I am convinced that these people ought to be included in any advantage that may arise even if the Amendment be accepted. I would make an appeal that the same treatment should be extended to everybody concerned regardless of what it may cost.