HC Deb 15 November 1918 vol 110 c3156

(1) The Minister of Munitions on behalf of His Majesty may grant licences conferring authority to search and bore for and get petroleum to such persons and upon such terms and conditions as the Minister of Munitions may think fit.

Provided that nothing in this Act shall be construed as conferring on any person any right to enter on or interfere with land for the purpose of searching or boring for or getting petroleum which he does not enjoy apart from this Act.

(2) Where any such licence is granted a copy thereof shall be laid before Parliament as soon as may be after the grant thereof.

Lords Amendment:

After Sub-section (1), insert the words or shall prejudice or affect the rights, if any, of any person interested in any land in respect of petroleum gotten through or from the land in which he is so interested.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

Mr. DENMAN

May I ask whether this is an Amendment of real substance? My impression is, having examined it, that it is merely fulfilling the original intention of this House.

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of MUNITIONS (Mr. Kellaway)

I can give the hon. Member the assurance for which he asks. The Amendment does not go beyond the intention of this House, and simply makes it clear.

Question put, and agreed to.