HC Deb 02 May 1929 vol 227 cc1873-4

CLAUSE 19.—(Power of Central Board to enter and survey lands and inspect documents.)

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

I beg leave to move, in page 19, line 19, after the word "within," to insert the words "or adjacent to."

I hope the right hon. Gentleman will accept this Amendment. Its object is to strengthen the hands of the Central Board in entering upon lands for the purpose of ascertaining the requirements for drainage purposes. We think that it would be too much of a contraction of their powers to keep them entirely within the bounds of the proposed area, and we suggest that if they were permitted to enter upon adjacent land it would be useful and economical in many cases. We do not think that such a power would endanger adjacent land.

Mr. GUINNESS

As this is a hybrid Bill, I doubt whether such a provision would be in accordance with the Standing Orders governing Private Bills, because the authorities adjacent to the Board's area would not have had an opportunity to appear and appeal against the proposed powers. In any case, it would be a very objectionable precedent to allow local authorities to have powers outside the areas for which they were responsible. I do not think that the necessity for the proposed powers can arise. Therefore I am obliged to resist the Amendment.

Amendment negatived.

Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill," put, and agreed to.