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Clause 13. — (Prohibition of dismissal of employees by reason of liability for service.)

National Service Bill – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 July 1947.

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Lords Amendment: In page 9, line 44, leave out "umpires" and insert "the umpire."

Photo of Mr George Isaacs Mr George Isaacs , Southwark North

I beg to move, "That this House cloth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

Photo of Mr Reginald Manningham-Buller Mr Reginald Manningham-Buller , Daventry

There seems to be something a little wrong with this Amendment. In page 9, at line 44, one sees the words "umpires and deputy umpires." If we leave out "umpires" and insert "the umpire," the sentence would read, starting in line 43: Section eight (which relates to Reinstatement Committees the umpire …)"— which seems to me to be bad grammar. I imagine it is that "umpires" which is being taken out. If it is the other "umpires" it would read: Section eight (which relates to Reinstatement Committees umpires and deputy the umpire). I am not quite sure that the drafting is right.

Photo of Mr George Isaacs Mr George Isaacs , Southwark North

So far as I understand it, it is mainly a question of phraseology. I think the purpose is to refer to "the umpire" in that case, and then to "deputy umpires." So it should be "the umpire," who is a single individual, whereas there might be more than one deputy umpire.

Clause

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.

Amendment

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.