HC Deb 23 July 1930 vol 241 cc2360-1

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."

Sir DOUGLAS NEWTON

I desire to raise a point of considerable substance on this Clause. Under it there is power to make orders authorising local authorities and statutory undertakers to purchase land compulsorily for certain purposes. I desire to inquire of the Minister of Transport what will be the position of municipal or other electrical undertakers who require sites for the provision of sub-stations. As the Minister of Transport is well aware, there is a great call for electrical development in rural areas, and a Standing Committee set up by the Electricity Commissioners to deal with rural electrification has on more than one occasion made representations to the Minister of Transport regarding the need for further powers for the acquisition of sites for the provision of sub-stations. More powers are needed in this direction. It is almost impossible in some cases for electrical undertakers to obtain sites for sub-stations. In certain cases, although perhaps they only want a bit of land a little larger than the table, they cannot get it, and they have to go to the expense of acquiring a cottage which has to be demolished in order to acquire the site. Some times the site is required from a local authority, and sometimes it may be from a private owner. The difficulty is serious in each of those cases.

The MINISTER of TRANSPORT (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

I think I can satisfy the hon. Gentleman on the point at once.

Sir D. NEWTON

I do not want to detain the House; I only want an authoritative statement as to whether the powers will enable undertakers to acquire a site both cheaply and expeditiously.

Mr. MORRISON

Clause 2 gives powers of compulsory acquisition for any purpose covered by the First Schedule to the Bill, and the hon. Gentleman, I think, will be satisfied on reference to the First Schedule, Part I, paragraph 1, that the powers which he thinks ought to be conferred in fact are conferred by this Clause of the Bill.

Sir D. NEWTON

I am very glad to have that assurance. Question, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill," put, and agreed to.