HC Deb 13 February 1929 vol 225 cc456-7
Mr. LOOKER

I beg to move, in page 30, line 37, after the word "payments" to insert the words "(by quarterly instalments)."

This is a matter which was raised on the Committee stage and is now, I understand, the subject of an agreement between the parties concerned.

Sir E. TURTON

I beg to second the Amendment.I do so with much pleasure. It has been the subject of agreement, and I am very glad to have the opportunity of seconding it.

Colonel ASHLEY

I understand that the hon. Baronet the Member for Thirsk (Sir E. Turton) speaks for the County Councils' Association. May I understand that my hon. Friend the Member for South East Essex (Mr. Looker) speaks for the Urban District Councils' Association?

Mr. LOOKER

Yes, and I have also been in communication with the Association of Municipal Corporations.

Colonel ASHLEY

This is a matter which has been the subject of considerable negotiations between all the parties concerned. When it was raised on the Committee stage, I promised that if an agreement could be reached between the parties chiefly concerned I would suggest to the House that it might legitimately implement the understanding and allow the payments to be made by quarterly instalments. I think the Amendment which seeks to leave put the word "January" and to insert the word "December" might also be accepted; in place of either January or November we compromise on the 15th December. If that is the wish of the House, I shall be very glad to accept the Amendment.

Sir E. TURTON

I very cordially support the suggestion made by the Minister of Transport. It has been agreed that the estimates are to be sent forward in December. We should have preferred them in November, but in that spirit of conciliation which is symptomatic of all county council proceedings we are prepared to accept the amended date, in exactly the same way as we are ready to give the urban district councils their payments quarterly.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. LOOKER

I beg to move, in page 31, line 16, to leave out the word "January," and to insert instead thereof the word "December."

This Amendment has also been agreed upon by the various associations concerned.

Dr. DAVIES

I beg to second the Amendment.

Colonel ASHLEY

I accept it.

Amendment agreed to.