CLAUSE 15.—(Supplementary provisions as to directions.) (Hansard, 4 June 1947)

§ The Solicitor-General

I beg to move, in page 13, line 31, after "him," to insert: within twenty-one days from the service of the notice. This is the Clause which deals with the giving of directions to provide fixed equipment. Under Subsection (3) of the Clause the Minister has power to require information as to the obligations subsisting in the tenancy with regard to the provision of fixed equipment, and he can serve a 317 notice requiring that those concerned shall give him the information. During the Committee stage of the discussions the argument was advanced that the person on whom that notice was served should be given at any rate some minimum time in which he could furnish the information. The time proposed in Committee was 28 days. My right hon. Friend, having promised that he would consider the matter, feels that 28 days would be rather too long and would lead to unnecessary delay, but he thinks that 21 days would be reasonable. Therefore, I am moving this Amendment, which provides that when such a requirement has been made the person who has been asked to furnish the information shall have 21 days in which to do it. That I think would substantially meet the arguments adduced by hon. Gentlemen opposite, with the difference that we say 21 days instead of 28, and I hope the House will accept the Amendment.