HC Deb 30 November 1936 vol 318 c899

6.13 p.m.

Mr. KEELING

I beg to move, in page 5, line 17, to leave out Sub-section (6).

Section 9 of the 1909 Act contains a declaration that every road constructed by the Minister shall be a public highway and it would appear, if this provision is negatived by Sub-section (6), that roads constructed by the Minister will not be public highways. It is obviously desirable that roads constructed by the Minister should be public highways, and I have no doubt that there is some other way of ensuring this than by striking out Sub-section (6), but I should like to have an assurance from the Minister on the point.

6.14 p.m.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance at once. The powers exercisable in the 1909 Act were part of a different code from that which applies to-day. Therefore, if we pass this Bill I shall have all the necessary powers in a modern form without having to rely on powers as far as trunk roads are concerned which were powers instituted before the Ribbon Development Act, for example, was passed. Therefore, I think the Amendment is unnecessary.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr. HORE-BELISHA

I beg to move, in page 5, line 23, to leave out "or bridge."

As a road includes a bridge, the word "bridge" is not necessary, and this and the subsequent Amendments which I am proposing to this Sub-section are purely drafting to tidy up and make clear the language.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 5, line 24, leave out "the road passing over."—[Mr. Hore-Belisha.]