HC Deb 09 October 1946 vol 427 cc224-6
Mr. Turton

I beg to move, in page 5, line 26, to leave out "unduly," and to insert "unreasonably."

There are two consequential Amendments—in page 6, line 4, after "or," to insert "avoidably," and in page 6, line 8, to leave out "in the circumstances," and to insert: as a result of the work being badly done or avoidably delayed. This point was raised on the Committee stage. We pointed out that unfortunately we were finding that work was being very much delayed, especially building, in all parts of the country. Clearly, a lot of this work is going to be delayed. Drainage work which is supposed to take only three or four weeks goes on for months and nearly into years, owing to the difficulties of the present situation. Therefore, we ask that the word "unduly" should be altered and the word "avoidably" inserted later. The Minister said in reply that he regarded "unduly" as meaning "unreasonably." Therefore we thought that, as he understood these words to mean "unreasonably," it would be far better to have them in the Bill. I hope he will not be unduly reluctant about conceding this Amendment.

Mr. Snadden

I beg to second the Amendment.

Mr. T. Williams

I have no objection to accepting this rather long word, despite the paper shortage.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. Turton

I beg to move, in page 5, line 34, to leave out "excessive," and to insert "unreasonably high."

This is a consequential Amendment.

Mr. Snadden

I beg to second the Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. Turton

I beg to move, in page 6, line 4, after "or," to insert "avoidably."

This Amendment is consequential.

Mr. Snadden

I beg to second the Amendment.

Mr. T. Williams

I am afraid my hon. Friend is mistaken here. I did not intend to accept this Amendment and I am sure Mr. Speaker did not intend that it should be called either. As a matter of fact, now that it has been moved, I have to remind my hon Friend that the word "delayed" in line 4 refers back to the wording at the opening of the Clause and consequently bears the same meaning, unduly or unreasonably delayed, if the preceding Amendment, which has been accepted, was accepted. Therefore, there is no necessity for the Amendment now moved by the hon. Member.

Mr. Turton

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

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.