HC Deb 05 March 1948 vol 448 cc704-5
Mr. J. Edwards

I beg to move, in page 32, line 37, to leave out from "themselves," to "proper," in line 38, and to insert: and are not receiving from other persons In this Amendment I have tried to meet the point of view of the hon. Member for Barking (Mr. Hastings) and to fulfil the undertaking which I gave, following some examples given by the hon. Member for Heston and Isleworth (Mr. W. R. Williams). I hope the Amendment will now ensure that action will not be taken to remove persons, if proper care and attention are available to them from persons who are not residing with them, but are living nearby.

Mr. W. R. Williams (Heston and Isleworth)

I wish to express the appreciation of myself, and other hon. Members who were on the Committee upstairs, of the further consideration which the Minister has been good enough to give to the view which we expressed. This Amendment provides a very valuable safeguard for the rights of many of those unfortunate people. It will give great satisfaction to friends and relatives of such people to know that in the future they will not be removed from their homes, provided that either relatives, who do not actually reside with them, or neighbours, who are well disposed towards them, are prepared to take an interest in their day-to-day welfare. It will remove a sense of grievance which has been in the minds of many hon. Members. I would like to express my appreciation to the Minister for his consideration.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. J. Edwards

I beg to move, in page 33, line 6, after "certificate," to insert: and that it is expedient so to do. This is really an extension of the point we have just been discussing, and meets an Amendment put down in Committee by the hon. and gallant Member for West Edinburgh (Lieut.-Commander Hutchison).

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. J. Edwards

I beg to move, in page 33, line 14, to leave out "three," and to insert "seven."

This Amendment, and the next Amendment arise from the view that was stated by a number of hon. Members, with experience of local government work, who said they had found that the provisions in the local Acts and in the London Acts, which gave only three days' notice, were not really adequate. I have examined the matter and have come to the same point of view. I propose to alter it from three days to seven.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 33, line 36, leave out "three," and insert "seven."—[Mr. J. Edwards.]