HC Deb 19 February 1951 vol 484 cc900-1
Mr. Molson

I beg to move, in page 3, line 16, after "Planning," to insert "(Amendment)."

The right hon. Gentleman in his introductory speech on the Second Reading said: This is a short and simple Bill. … Its aim is simply stated: to correct two errors in drafting, which experience and legal advice have revealed, in the 1947 Town and Country Planning Act. and later he went on: Here again the 1947 Act is defective according to the advice which we have received from the Law Officers of the Crown."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 23rd January, 1951; Vol 483, c. 43–44.] In view of the fact that there are a good many Town and Country Planning Acts upon the Statute Book—and there are likely to be more—and since it is quite obvious that this small Bill is really intended solely to amend the principal Act, it seems to me it would make for simplicity and accuracy if it were called the Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill.

Mr. Dalton

I have a perfectly open mind on this. Of course it goes against the hon. and learned Member for Norwich, South (Mr. H. Strauss) who had an Amendment on the Order Paper. Whereas he tries to save a word, this adds a word to the Title of the Bill. To that extent it makes it longer, and to that extent the hon. and learned Member for Norwich would not approve of it but, so far as I am concerned, I have a completely open mind. If it is the general feeling of the Committee that the Amendment be accepted I shall not resist it.

Mr. Hay

I would certainly support the view expressed in this Amendment. I think it is very desirable that one should (have the word "Amendment" in the Title of the Bill. To most lawyers, estate agents, surveyors and valuers, the Town and Country Planning Act means one thing and that is the last big Act. This Amendment is a clarification and I strongly support it.

Amendment agreed to.

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

Bill reported with an Amendment; as amended, considered; read the Third time and passed.