HC Deb 19 July 1949 vol 467 cc1185-6

Amendment made: In page 39, line 16, leave out "and."—[Mr. King.]

Mr. King

I beg to move, in page 39, line 20, at the end, to insert: (c) for the provision and operation of ferries where they are needed for completing the route; and (d) for the provision of accommodation, meals and refreshments along the route. We are indebted to an hon. Member on each side of the House for the two parts of this Amendment; the hon. Member for Twickenham (Mr. Keeling) in the case of the ferries and the hon. Member for Barking (Mr. Hastings) who urged in Committee that there should be provision for accommodation, meals and refreshments, particularly along long-distance paths. Both provisions are made. I suggest that we do not discuss them at length at this stage but accept them formally, because here they are merely mentioned, whereas on two later Amendments we shall be able to discuss them at length.

Mr. Keeling

In thanking the hon. Gentleman for this addition to the Bill, I take it that there is no reason why meals, and refreshments should not in suitable cases be provided on the ferry so as not to mess up the countryside.

Mr. C. Williams

I would point out that this will add considerably to the cost. We may have to provide a large number of ferries and a large amount of accommodation for meals and refreshments. It is rather amazing that, after the warnings we have had in the last few days from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, we should be calmly and easily accepting this enormous cost; but that is in keeping with a good many other things in the Bill, and the Chancellor must be very worried about some of them.

Amendment agreed to.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause, as amended, stand part of the Bill."

Mr. Williams

This Clause has, of course, been more or less agreed on, but we are in the curious position, in this Clause, of adding to the public costs at a time when we are urged to do everything to reduce them. That is a most curious position.

Question put, and agreed to.

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.