§ Mr. ShinwellI beg to move, in page 9, line 7, to leave out Subsection (2), and to insert:
(2) In carrying oat such measures of reorganisation or such works of development as involve substantia] outlay on capital account, and in giving directions to any Area Board with respect to such measures or works, the Central Authority shall act in accordance with a general programme settled from time to time in consultation with the Minister.This Amendment and the next Amendment standing on the Order Paper relate to some criticism which was made by the Opposition during the Committee stage about the nature of the words used in the Bill. It was thought that they were a bit "woolly," if I may use the expression of hon. Members opposite, and I make no protest about that. It seemed at the time that they were slightly "ambiguous," which is a more refined expression than "woolly." I think, therefore, that it may be desirable to improve the language of the Clause.
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonWe are grateful once again to the Minister for meeting our views. As the Debate goes on, the House will discover that this is not the only occasion when the drafting of the Bill has been "woolly," and, indeed, some of the ideas behind the right hon. Gentleman, as shown by the fact that he has had to recommit so many Clauses. However, we are grateful for any small improvements.
§ Mr. ShinwellAll I have to say about that is that it denotes how responsive we are to hon. Members opposite when they make their submissions.
§ Amendment agreed to.
§ Consequential Amendment made.