HC Deb 15 February 1940 vol 357 cc1067-9

Nothing in Sections sixteen, seventeen or nineteen of this Act shall deprive any riparian owner or other person legally interested in the flow of the waters of any stream (including persons so interested in respect of fishing rights, water-cress beds and the washing or treatment of minerals) of any legal right of using such waters in a manner not inconsistent with the exercise of the powers conferred by the said Sections or of any legal remedies if such legal rights or legal remedies were vested in or exercised by him or by his predecessors in title at the passing of this Act.—[Brigadier-General Brown.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

8.45 p.m.

Brigadier-General Brown

I beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."

I do not think that I need say very much on this Clause, which is more or less self-explanatory. There are rights which may be affected, especially by powers of entry, and we think that some saving Clause of this kind should be made to give some protection, not only to owners, but to rates and taxes and those industries which may in some cases provide more food for the country than would be effected by an actual improvement in the land. It is a common Clause in Private Bills, and in the Surrey County Council Bills an almost exactly similar provision was made.

8.46 p.m.

Mr. Ramsbotham

The only point which I think the hon. and gallant Gentleman wants is a widening of Sub-section (1) of Clause 17. The new Clause which he has put on the Paper is not in an entirely satisfactory form, but if he will withdraw it, I will give an assurance that between now and the Report stage I will consider more appropriate words in consultation with him and put down an Amendment.

8.47 p.m.

Colonel Wedgwood

I think we require some explanation from the Government about this concession to the landlords. After considerable debate the Government have ruled out any concessions in the matter of wages, but here is a new Clause sprung upon us, which the Government have evidently already arranged to accept, and we find an eleventh-hour concession to the landed interests in connection with a Bill solely designed for food production.

Mr. Ramsbotham

There happens to be a case here in which there is injustice and hardship, and I see no reason on earth why that should not be removed.

Motion and Clause, by leave, withdrawn.