HC Deb 10 July 1939 vol 349 c1953

Lords Amendment: In page 30, line 24, at the end, insert: Provided that, if the local authority in executing works in or under any part of the highway cause any damage to any mains, pipes, apparatus or works belonging to public utility undertakers or persons carrying on any hydraulic power undertaking, they shall repay to the undertakers or persons the amount of the expenses reasonably incurred by them in making good the damage.

Mr. Speaker

I have to inform the House that this Amendment raises a question of Privilege.

Sir J. Anderson

I beg to move, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

The House will remember that under Clauses 7, 8 and 9 which deal with underground shelters, underground car parks, and air-raid shelters in streets, provision is made for the repayment by the local authority of any expensesreasonably incurred in making good damage caused to mains, pipes, apparatus or other works of a public utility undertaker. The effect of this Amendment is to provide that if, in the process of providing an alternative exit to a strengthened basement, damage is done to the pipes or other property of a public utility undertaker, a similar provision should apply with regard to the repair of the damage. The provision is confined to damage which may be caused to work under the street. The Amendment seems to theGovernment to be reasonable and in accordance with provisions made elsewhere and agreed to by the House.