§ 7.28 p.m.
§ Mr. SimmondsI beg to move, in page 9, line 21, after "the," to insert "anticipated or."
The effect of the Amendment is that any person having storage space may claim that he requires certain accommodation for his normal business. The Minister will then not be able to call upon him to place that storage space at the disposal of the Ministry. We can foresee the immense worry of somebody who owns storage space, and has made provision for some definite obligation in the future by constructing additional barns, granaries or warehouses, and we feel that the Minister ought to be under an obligation to take into consideration the fact that those new warehouses have been constructed for a definite purpose. I sincerely hope that my right hon. Friend will be able to accept the Amendment.
§ 7.30 p.m.
§ Mr. BurginI think I can help my hon. Friend by telling him that his Amendment is not necessary and that the words "normal business" will cover everything that it is necessary to cover. What it will not cover is somebody who keeps storage space in the odd hope that some business may turn up at some time. Such a case as the hon. Member mentioned, that of a man who had storage for a definite contractual obligation, or who had reached the firm resolution to engage in a particular business and had made his decision, that is already covered, and it is not necessary for additional words to be put in to cover it.
§ Mr. SimmondsIn view of the assurance given by my right hon. Friend, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.