HC Deb 10 July 1939 vol 349 cc1948-9

Lords Amendment: In page 6, line 18, at the end, insert: (4) Where a local authority restore any premises, building or land in accordance with the last foregoing Sub-section, the occupier of the premises, building or land shall be entitled to recover from the local authority compensation for any damage he has sustained by reason of any interference with his use of the premises, building or land during the execution of the work.

Mr. Speaker

This Amendment raises a question of Privilege. It involves a charge on local authorities.

Sir J. Anderson

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

In the view of the Government this Amendment removes a difficulty that is apparent in the Clause as it left this House. Hon. Members will remember that compensation is provided for damage sustained by an occupier as the result of interference with his use of the premises while works are being carried out. This Amendment deals with the converse case, where, after designation has been withdrawn, the premises are restored, and it is possible that during the process of restoration there may be some interference with the use of the premises by the occupier. In the view of the Government it is only reasonable that provision should be made for the payment of compensation.