§ Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Clause stand part of the Bill."
§ Mr. HayI rise to refer to another matter, which is not the subject of any Amendment. When the Distribution of Industry Bill was going through the House, the Solicitor-General will remember that I discussed the question of 1447 solicitors' costs in connection with the compulsory acquisition of land. The problem arises also in this Bill. When the Distribution of Industry Bill was before us, the Solicitor-General said that he would consider the matter again and that possibly something might be done in the future. Here again is an example. I hope that by saying a few words I can remind him that this question of scale costs being paid to people who are dispossessed of their land is urgent. Here is another example of compulsory power being given to local authorities or other bodies. It is an urgent matter which should be considered by the Government at an early stage. Something ought to be done about the matter soon.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralI remember very well the discussion we had upon the Distribution of Industry Bill and I recollect that I said that the matter should not be considered in isolation in relation to that Bill, but should be dealt with in a general Bill dealing with solicitors' costs, to put the matter on an equal basis for all Bills where the question arose. This is another Bill where the question arises. I take note of what the hon. Gentleman has said. If there is a general Bill it will deal with all cases and it will cover this case as well.
§ Question put, and agreed to.
§ Clause ordered to stand part of the Bill.