Ways and Means. – in the House of Commons at on 1 October 1941.
Sir Walter Liddall
, Lincoln
I beg to move, in page 1, line 18, after "examination," to insert, "to be made by an accountant."
This Amendment and the four following Amendments on the Order Paper in my name and that of my hon. Friend the Member for West Salford (Mr. Emery) all refer to the same matter, as does a manuscript Amendment—in line 3, page 16, leave out "and accounts" and insert, "accounts and documents"— handed in by the hon. and gallant Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner). With your permission, Colonel Clifton Brown, and that of the Committee, I suggest that these Amendments might be considered together.
Mr Douglas Clifton Brown
, Hexham
If the Committee agree, I am willing that this should be done.
Sir Walter Liddall
, Lincoln
In my opinion, which I feel sure will be shared by the Committee, it is necessary for the accountant to see evidence of what a solicitor has received to start with in order that he may certify what has been done with the money, deeds, documents or securities. I hope that the Committee and my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General will accept these Amendments.
Mr James Milner
, Leeds South East
These Amendments are of a drafting nature. As the Clause stands at present, an accountant instructed by a solicitor would have authority to examine only the solicitor's books and accounts. Clearly the intention is that if the accountant wishes to examine any other relevant documents of the solicitor, he should be able to do so, and these Amendments would give that power.
Mr Donald Somervell
, Crewe
I accept the Amendments.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
The order paper is issued daily and lists the business which will be dealt with during that day's sitting of the House of Commons.
It provides MPs with details of what will be happening in the House throughout the day.
It also gives details of when and where the standing committees and select committees of the Commons will be meeting.
Written questions tabled to ministers by MPs on the previous day are listed at the back of the order paper.
The order paper forms one section of the daily vote bundle and is issued by the Vote Office
As a bill passes through Parliament, MPs and peers may suggest amendments - or changes - which they believe will improve the quality of the legislation.
Many hundreds of amendments are proposed by members to major bills as they pass through committee stage, report stage and third reading in both Houses of Parliament.
In the end only a handful of amendments will be incorporated into any bill.
The Speaker - or the chairman in the case of standing committees - has the power to select which amendments should be debated.
