SELECT COMMITTEE ON MUSLIMS BILL (Minutes of Evidence)

11.12 a.m.

The Chief Secretary (Mr W. A. C. Goode): Sir, I move,

That the minutes of the evidence taken before the Select Committee on the Muslims Bill in the previous session of the Assembly be referred to the Select Committee on the Muslims Bill.

As I have said just now, Sir, it would be helpful to the Select Committee if, in considering the present Bill, they can have the benefit of the evidence which was taken by the previous Select Committee and which did cover most of the controversial points in the Bill.

Mr J. M. Jumabhoy: Sir, I second it.

Question proposed.

Mr Marshall: Mr Speaker, Sir, I was just wondering whether this motion is, in fact, adequate to meet the purpose for which it is sought. The motion merely suggests that the minutes be referred to the Select Committee, but it does not, in fact, empower the Select Committee to take the minutes into consideration for the purposes of coming to decisions on the matters before it, and I was wondering, Sir, whether this motion is, in fact, adequate. I do support the motion but I would like the Select Committee to be given full powers for the purpose for which the motion is intended.

Mr Goode rose -

Mr Speaker: Mr Chief Secretary, in reply?

Mr Goode: Sir,I am quite happy with the motion.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolved,

That the minutes of the evidence taken before the Select Committee on the Muslims Bill in the previous session of the Assembly be referred to the Scilect Committee on the Muslims Bill.