§ Save in so far as may he necessary to give effect to any alteration or definition of boundaries made thereunder nothing in this Part of this Act shall prejudicially alter or affect the powers, rights, privileges, or immunities of any municipal corporation or the operation of any municipal charter.—[Sir K. Wood.]
§ Brought up, and read the First time.
§ Sir K. WOODI beg to move, "That the Clause be read a Second time."
This New Clause has been put down in order to meet the apprehension expressed that, in some way or other, the Bill might affect municipal charters and with a view to making it perfectly plain that, subject to the provisions of Clause 47—which deals with adjustment of boundaries on a joint representation by two councils—municipal charters will remain unaffected. Where there is a joint representation as to boundaries of county boroughs or counties, a municipal charter may be affected, but the Clause makes it clear that, except in such cases municipal charters will be in no way affected by the Government's proposals.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEI wish to thank the Minister for accepting the suggestion made during the discussions in Committee in regard to the safeguarding of municipal charters.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Clause read a Second time, and added to the Bill.