HC Deb 01 August 1947 vol 441 cc886-7

Lords Amendment: In page 88, line 21, leave out from beginning to "in" in line 22 and insert: immediately before that day those works could have been completed.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

Mr. Manningham-Buller

I want to ask the right hon. Gentleman about the wording. I imagine the answer may be that this is merely a drafting change, but it appears at first sight to be capable of a somewhat wider construction. The Clause as amended reads: . . then it immediately before that day those works could have been completed in conformity with the provisions of a planning scheme… The word "could" may involve consideration of all such questions as the grant of building licences. One does not know when the appointed day will come. I do not think it is the intention that something in Clause 76 should depend on whether one gets a licence from the Ministry of Works before the appointed day, but the word "could" makes it possible for that view to be taken. I ask the right hon. Gentleman to have a look at it again. I do not think there is anything of substance between us, but the new Amendment appears at first sight to be rather dangerously wide.

Mr. Silkin

I should hardly have thought that planning permission involved permission by the Ministry of Works, but if there is the slightest doubt about it—I have the hon. and learned Gentleman's point—it will be put right. I agree with him that it is not intended to mean that.