§ Order of the Day for the House to be put into Committee, read.
§ Moved, That the House do now resolve itself into Committee.—(The Earl of Crawford.)
1177THE EARL OF MAYOMy Lords, may I ask the noble Earl whether this Bill means that the authorities can now put off the building of cottages not only for two years but till one year from the termination of the war, and then at the end of that time I suppose the land can be got rid of, or can be conveyed. Is that the real meaning of it? It is rather difficult to understand exactly what this single clause means.
THE EARL OF CRAWFORDMy Lords, this Bill suspends, but does not repeal, Section 15 of the parent Act. As Lord Mayo will remember, that Act stated that unless land acquired by the district councils was put to its proper use within two years the land should revert to the vendors. Owing to the war the operation of the Labourers Act is suspended, because no money can be advanced, and even if money were available no labour or material can be had. All that this Bill does is to say that these schemes, which from external causes are now in a state of suspense, shall not be abrogated, as would be the case under the parent Act, until at least twelve months after the end of the war. The Bill is to allow these schemes to continue, but it in no way prejudges or prejudices the right of the vendor.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ House in Committee accordingly.
§ The EARL OF DONOUGHMORE in the Chair.
§ Bill reported without amendment.