Clause 1 - Requirements for conversion of a registered society into a company
Industrial and Provident Societies Bill
10:30 am
Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch, Conservative)
I also welcome you to the Chair, Mr. McWilliam. It is a pleasure to know that we shall be guided by someone of such seniority and experience.
This is a probing amendment. We are all familiar with the principle that the chairman's decision is final, although in cricket that has been modified to include a third umpire. I am a little perplexed why a declaration by the chairman cannot be open to challenge. That seems to be the import of the provision and a similar measure under clause 2. Are there precedents for giving a chairman such power? If so, what are they? I should be grateful if the hon. Member for Harrow, West (Mr. Thomas), could explain the background to the provision.