HC Deb 08 April 1949 vol 463 cc2438-9

Considered in Committee of the whole House under Standing Order No. 84.— [King's Recommendation signified.]

[Mr. BOWLES in the Chair]

Motion made, and Question proposed, That for the purposes of any Act of the present Session to amend the law relating to the protection of the coast of Great Britain against erosion and encroachment by the sea, it is expedient to authorise the payment out of moneys provided by Parliament—

  1. (a) of the expenses of the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State in making grants in respect of expenditure under the said Act of coast protection authorities or otherwise in respect of coast protection work, whether begun before or after the commencement of the said Act;
  2. (b) of the expenses of the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State incurred under the said Act otherwise than in the making of grants, and of the expenses so incurred thereunder of any other Minister or government department;
  3. (c) of any increase attributable to the said Act in the sums payable out of moneys provided by Parliament under Parts I and II of the Local Government Act, 1948, and in the sums payable out of the Road Fund."—[Mr. A. Bevan.]

3.58 p.m.

Mr. R. S. Hudson

We do not propose to oppose the Money Resolution on the distinct understanding, which, I gather, is accepted, that there is nothing which will prevent us in Committee from trying to fix the Exchequer grants at an appreciably higher rate.

Mr. Bevan

I do not know whether the right hon. Gentleman means that the Money Resolution will enable any Amendment to be made to increase the charge, because that will not be necessary. If the right hon. Gentleman looks at the terms of the Money Resolution he will see that there is no limitation. We can discuss in Committee what is in our minds, but there is no need to add to the power because the power is almost unlimited and does not, of itself, exclude maintenance.

Mr. Hudson

I am much obliged, but we wish to discuss a specific Amendment to impose on the Exchequer the necessity of making higher grants, instead of leaving it to the discretion of the Minister when the Bill becomes law.

Mr. Bevan

Maybe we can discuss that in Committee.

Mr. Hudson

It is clear, then, that the right hon. Gentleman will not then say that the Opposition cannot increase the charge?

Mr. Bevan

I do not say things like that; that is for the Chairman.

Question put, and agreed to.

Resolution to be reported upon Monday next.