HC Deb 14 August 1919 vol 119 c1770

(1) Where the Board are satisfied that a town-planning scheme ought to be made by a local authority, the Board may by order require a local authority to prepare and submit for their approval such a scheme, and if the scheme is approved by the Board to do all things necessary for enforcing the observance of the scheme or any provisions thereof effectively and for executing any works which under the scheme or under Part II. of the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909, the authority is required to execute.

Lords Amendment:

After the word "satisfied," insert the words "after holding a public local inquiry."

Mr. CLYDE

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This provides a safeguard against the Board compelling the preparation of a scheme without being fully acquainted with the circumstances.

Sir D. MACLEAN

The whole idea of these town-planning schemes was this: That to a very considerable extent there should be a measure of compulsion exercised by the central authority. What I want to be satisfied about is that the holding of these public local inquiries in no way limits the power which is given to the central authority to insist on the town-planning scheme being undertaken.

Mr. CLYDE

This is purely for the purpose of enabling the central authority to become acquainted with the local conditions and has no limiting effect whatever.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

May I ask what kind of inquiry will be held?

Mr. CLYDE

The Local Government Board has its own officers, and it will do, I expect, as it does now with regard to local authorities, and send down one of its officers and instruct him to make inquiries and to report.

Question put, and agreed to.

Lords Amendment:

In Sub-section (1), after the word "authority," insert the words, "as respects any land in regard to which a town-planning scheme may be made under the Housing, Town Planning, etc., Act, 1909."—Agreed to.