HC Deb 22 December 1919 vol 123 cc1162-3

  1. (1) Where it appears to a local authority that the provision of dwelling accommodation within their area is or is likely to be delayed by a deficiency of labour or materials arising out of the employment of labour or material in the construction of any works or buildings, and that the construction of those works or buildings is in the circumstances of the case of less public importance for the time being than the provision of dwelling accommodation, the authority may by Order prohibit for such time and on such terms and subject to such conditions as the Minister may from time to time prescribe, and either in whole or in part, the construction of those works or buildings.
  2. (2) Any person aggrieved by an Order made by a. local authority under this Section may, subject to rules of procedure to be made by the Minister, appeal to the Minister, and on any such appeal the Minister shall refer all such cases to a standing tribunal of appeal to be appointed by the Minister consisting of five persons who have power either to annul the Order or to make such Order in the matter as the local authority could have made. and the decision of the tribunal of appeal in the matter shall be final and not subject to appeal to or review by any Court.

(6) Any Rules of Procedure made by the Minister under this Section shall be laid on the Table of the House for twenty-one days.

Amendment made: In Sub-section (1), leave out the word "within" ["accommodation within their area."3, and insert instead thereof the word "for"—[Dr. Addison.]

Lords Amendments: In Sub-section (1), after the word "construction "1"material in the construction of any works or buildings "3, insert the words "within their area."—Agreed to.

After the word "buildings"["material in the construction of any works or buildings"], insert the words "other than works or buildings authorised or required by, under or in pursuance of any Act of Parliament."

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

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

May I ask for one word of explanation. It seems to me that the powers under this Amendment are very wide. May we have some assurance that it will not include a great many buildings? This is a weakening of a Clause which was universally welcomed in all quarters of the House.

Dr. ADDISON

It is only a very small percentage of buildings that it will apply to—post offices and works of that kind.

Question put, and agreed to.

Lords Amendments: In Sub-section (2), after the word "appeal" ["standing tribunal of appeal"] insert the words "consisting of five persons."—Agreed to.

Leave out the words "consisting of five persons who" and insert instead thereof the words "which shall."—Agreed to.

In Sub-section (7) leave out the words "on the Table of the House for twenty-one days," and insert instead thereof the words before both Houses of Parliament as soon as may be after they are made —Agreed to.