HC Deb 12 June 1947 vol 438 cc1438-9
Mr. Ede

I beg to move, in page 21, line 14, at the end, to insert: and if in connection with the making of a scheme under paragraph (b) of Subsection (5) of this Section the fire authority so requires, the Secretary of State shall cause a public local inquiry to be held before he makes the scheme. Hon. Members who served in the Standing Committee will recollect that on 22nd May I accepted the principle of an Amendment moved by the Opposition to replace Subsection (8) with a new Subsection, the effect of which would have been to make it compulsory on the Secretary of State to hold a local inquiry if the fire authority asked for it in any case where he proposed himself to make an establishment scheme because he thought the scheme in force was not satisfactory. I asked that I might be allowed to consider the wording. I have done so, and I think this Amendment carries out the desires of the Opposition, and in a form which is approved by the draftsmen. I am sure the hon. Member for Westbury (Mr. Grimston) knows how important it is in these matters that the best ideas should be clothed in language which is approved by the draftsmen.

Mr. Grimston

We are obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I agree with him that good intentions are better clothed when approved by the draftsmen.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. Ede

I beg to move, in page 21, line 20, after the second "provisions," to insert "ancillary thereto."

This Amendment is consequential upon the new Clause to which the House agreed earlier today.

Amendment agreed to.