HC Deb 24 July 1950 vol 478 cc148-9

Lords Amendment: In page 3, line 38, at the end, insert: Where a payment equal to the amount of depreciation is made under this subsection, the local authority shall not require the execution of any such works of repair to the dwelling-house as may be required in consequence of the subsidence damage thereto.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

9.34 p.m.

Mr. Brendan Bracken (Bournemouth, East, and Christchurch)

Is the Minister not going to say anything about these Amendments? I think it shows a lack of courtesy to the House.

The Minister of Fuel and Power (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)

We accept the Amendments, and I hope that right hon. and hon. Members opposite will do the same. The Amendments carry out undertakings to which we have agreed before.

Mr. Bracken

The Minister's explanation slightly improves matters but, in point of fact, the first Amendment is an Opposition Amendment and, as the Minister of Fuel and Power will not congratulate the Opposition, the task is left to myself, and I do it with the greatest gusto. It shows once again how our legislation is improved by having an effective Opposition.

Mr. P. Noel-Baker

As the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Bournemouth, East and Christchurch (Mr. Bracken) always congratulates himself before anyone else has a chance to do so, so I am discharged of the duty.

Question put, and agreed to.

Lords Amendment: in page 9, line 7, at the end end insert: