HC Deb 11 December 1929 vol 233 cc458-9
60. Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISE

asked the Minister of Transport if he will give a definite interpretation as to Clause 13 of the draft form of wayleaves agreement issued by the Electricity Commission and, in particular, as to whether this Clause is an over-riding Clause whereby rights saved to undertakers extend to the case of land required by the grantor for any of the purposes set out in Clause 9?

Mr. HERBERT MORRISON

I would remind the hon. Member that the document to which he refers is merely a provisional draft which has been circulated, for the consideration of the parties interested, by the Electricity Commissioners, who would be prepared to consider any observations they may receive. I may add, however, with regard to the particular point referred to, that I under- stand that the intention of the Commissioners was that the rights saved by Clause 13 of the document should not extend to land required by the grantor for any of the purposes set out in Clause 9.

Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES - BRISE.

Will the Minister of Transport take steps to see that the Electricity Commissioners amend the draft form of wayleaves agreement so as to make it clear that Clause 13 shall not over-ride Clause 9 before issuing the wayleaves agreement in final form?

Mr. MORRISON

I have no doubt that they will have that factor in mind, and that it will be considered. As a matter of fact, they are in consultation with well-informed people and no doubt that point will be gone into.