HC Deb 29 January 1942 vol 377 cc916-7
46. Mr. White

asked the Minister without Portfolio when it is proposed to introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Uthwatt Committee?

The Minister without Portfolio (Mr. Arthur Greenwood)

The proposed legislation, which involves certain complexities in its relation to existing planning legislation, will be introduced as soon as circumstances permit.

Mr. White

May I ask whether there is now agreement between the various Departments?

Mr. Greenwood

I would not say that there have been difficulties as between the Departments. There were in fact, two difficulties which had to be met, one arising from the substitution of new legislation for the old legislation and the other arising from the relations between public finance and the work of the War Damage Commission.

Mr. Mander

Has not the same answer been given month after month, and, in view of the great public interest in the matter, cannot my right hon. Friend promise to bring forward legislation at an early date and stop all this waste of time between Departments?

Mr. Greenwood

I feel that we rather under-estimated the difficulties which have arisen out of the activities of the War Damage Commission, but I do say that I hope the Bill will be introduced before long.

Mr. Moelwyn Hughes

Will the proposed legislation endeavour to carry out all the recommendations of the Uthwatt Committee?

Mr. Greenwood

I think my hon. Friend must await the Bill.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask on what date the report was made available to hon. Members?

Mr. Greenwood

I could not say without notice, but I believe it was in July.

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