The Week in Parliament Our Parliamentary Correspondent writes : The
Labour Party grows more and more like the Tuscan Army. Sir Stafford Cripps cries " Forward " while Transport House cries " Back." This was illustrated on the second reading of the Coal (Registration of Ownership) Bill which paves the way for a Bill to nationalise royalties next Session. After Captain Crookshank had got through his opening statement Mr. George Hall rose from the Front Opposition Bench to announce that he and his colleagues would not oppose the Bill though they thought it could be considerably strengthened. Mr. James Griffiths, the silver-tongued orator from Llanelly, welcomed the Bill in principle. Mr. Batey was understood to have discovered points of criticism but was countered by Mr. Pritt who adduced many admirable reasons why the measure should be supported. All went smoothly until Mr. Stanley, in the course of his reply, made the astonishing admission that particulars registered under this Bill would not be held, conclusive until those concerned had been able to study the main Bill and had had a chance to reconsider the information they had given. Then the fun began. Sir Stafford at once pointed out the futility of having an elaborate procedure and a whole series of High Court decisions which in the end would have no binding effect on anybody. He did not, however, confine himself to this newly-raised issue but attacked the provision whereby the State should bear the costs involved in registration. Mr. Ede, who always develops a thirst for legal advice on these awkward occasions, called loudly though unsuccessfully for a Law Officer to reply. The atmosphere was now entirely changed. Mr. Attlee hurriedly rose to countermand previous orders and a few minutes later led his followers into the " no " lobby.
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