HC Deb 27 July 1936 vol 315 cc1256-7

11.47 p.m.

Sir PATRICK HANNON

I beg to move, in page 52, line 34, to leave out from "determination," to "shall," in line 35, and to insert "whose decision."

This Clause provides that in cases where an owner of property and a local authority agree to refer to the Minister of Health a question of whether building by-laws have been complied with or not, the Minister may or may not accept the reference and decide the question. This Amendment would have the effect of making it compulsory on the Minister to deal with the matter, if both parties desire him to do so. It is, I submit, a helpful Amendment and one which will make the position clear both to local authorities and owners of property.

11.48 p.m.

Mr. ROSTRON DUCKWORTH

I support the Amendment which, if carried will have the effect of preventing protracted disputes and litigation between local authorities and owners of property as to whether building plans are in accordance with the by-laws and whether the completed buildings are in conformity with the original building plans. Further, I am sure the Amendment will be acceptable to the National Federation of Property Owners.

Mr. SHAKESPEARE

The Government are prepared to accept the principle of the Amendment and the local authorities have agreed to it. I suggest, however, as a matter of drafting that it should be in this form—to leave out from "and," in line 34, to "shall," in line 35, and insert "the Minister's decision."

Sir P. HANNON

I am prepared to move the Amendment in that form.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Amendment made: In page 52, line 34, leave out from "and" to "shall," in line 35, and insert "the Minister's decision."—[Sir P. Hannon.]

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 68 to 82 ordered to stand part of the Bill.