HC Deb 04 October 1944 vol 403 cc1074-6
Mr. H. Strauss

I beg to move, in page 14, line 42, to leave out "the Second Schedule," and to insert "Part 1 of the First Schedule."

This is part of that series of Amendments which the Committee was good enough to agree to take formally, reserving discussion until we get to the Schedule.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I beg to move, in page 15, line 3, at the end, to insert: (b) for use as a public open space or a playing-field. The Committee will remember that on the Second Reading much concern was expressed that power was not in existence for local authorities to equip themselves with playing fields and open spaces. A vast number of rather complicated legal provisions exist, but we think that this is the time to clear the matter up with further powers.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendments made: In page 15, line 11, after "persons", insert "or undertakings".

In line 19, leave out from "thereof", to end of line 22.—[Mr. W. S. Morrison.]

Commander Galbraith

I beg to move, in page 15, line 24, at the end, to insert: and will not be made available for such purpose unless acquired by the local planning authority. The purpose of this Clause is to empower the Minister to authorise compulsory purchase of land which he is satisfied it is competent to acquire for certain purposes, and the purposes are laid out. They are extraordinarily wide and might cover almost anything that the Minister wishes to authorise. The object of the Amendment is to ensure that these powers will be used only where the requirements cannot be met by the present owners of the land. The Amendment has an object which will be economical and helpful.

7.0 p.m.

Mr. H. Strauss

My hon. and gallant Friend has drawn attention to the fact that the words as they stand in the Bill may be too wide. On the other hand, in our opinion, his words are too narrow. I think I could undertake that the wording will be reconsidered with a view to making it plain that compulsory purchase is not to be authorised where the purpose in question can be properly carried out by a private person and the land would be available to him without compulsory purchase. We shall reconsider the words but with not so much limitation as my hon. and gallant Friend proposes. I hope that he will be content with that undertaking and will withdraw the Amendment.

Commander Galbraith

In view of that undertaking, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.

Mr. Silkin

I hope that the silence on this side of the Committee will not be interpreted to mean that we accept the Amendment. We shall reserve our comments until we see the actual proposal.

Amendment negatived.

Amendment made: In page 15, line 27, leave out "their area being land in," and insert: or in the neighbourhood of, a part of their area being."—[Mr. W. S. Morrison.]

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I beg to move, in page 15, line 32, at end, to insert: (b) land as to which the Minister is satisfied that its acquisition by the authority is expedient on the ground that land is or will be required, in the course of the redevelopment of a part of the area of the authority being an area of extensive war damage or of land in the neighbourhood of such a part of their area, for the purpose of re-location of population or industry or of replacement of open space, and that the land in question ought to be made available for meeting that requirement. The Amendment brings together in a more commodious part of the Bill, those categories of land. It includes land to be purchased for overspill and not only for blitzed land in the area of a local plan- ning authority; also their neighbouring land, purchased to make it convenient for re-development. The Amendment makes the words clearer, and I hope that the Committee will accept it.

Mr. Quintin Hog;g;

Perhaps my right hon. Friend will explain to me where (a) comes in?

Mr. Morrison

It does not yet exist. It hovers about, anxious and eager to find its true place in the Bill. It will be put in by means of an ordinary rule that exists. I understand that no formal Amendment for the purpose would be permitted.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 15, line 41, at the end, add: (4) In paragraph (c) of Sub-section (1) of this Section the expression" accommodation "means accommodation for residential purposes or for the carrying on of business or other activities, together with all appropriate public services, facilities for recreation, worship and amenity and other requirements."—[Mr. W. S. Morrison.] Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause, as amended, stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Manningham-Buller

Will the Minister consider putting into the Clause power to acquire land which is now derelict and not serving any useful purpose, where that land can be of use for an agricultural purpose?

Mr. Morrison

I certainly will consider the point.

Question put, and agreed to.