HC Deb 04 June 1951 vol 488 cc712-3

4.50 p.m.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Local Government and Planning (Mr. Lindgren)

I beg to move, in page 9, line 28, after "expire," to insert: or shall be terminated on a specified date before that time. This Amendment, together with the following Amendment in line 29, gives effect to a promise the Minister gave in Committee.

Lieut.-Colonel Elliot (Glasgow, Kelvingrove)

The Minister undertook to make some Amendments of this kind, and we are grateful to him. I think they meet the general sense of the proposals made in Committee, and we on this side have certainly no objection to these words being inserted.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 9, line 29, at end, insert "or terminated."—[Mr. Lindgren.]

Mr. Lindgren

I beg to move, in page 9, to leave out lines 32 and 33, and to insert: notice has been given to the offender that the taking of such proceedings is being considered. This Amendment arises partly from the recommendations of the Hobday Report. As that valuable Report has been so often referred to during the Committee stage and during the proceedings in the House, I hope that as this is in accordance with the views expressed in it the House will accept the Amendment.

Lieut.-Colonel Elliot

There is one small point which perhaps the Minister can explain. The previous words were "notice in writing," and this Amendment simply says, "notice has been given." Surely, unless I misread it, this Amendment should also say "notice in writing"? Obviously, it cannot mean that verbal notice will be given, that the ringing up of someone on the telephone would be sufficient? It would have to be in writing.

Mr. Lindgren

Yes, it would have to be in writing. I understand that it is unnecessary to state that in the Bill because Section 19 of the Rivers Board Act, 1948, specifies that the notice must be in writing.

Lieut.-Colonel Elliot

I am glad to have that on record, and, of course, we willingly accept the assurance of the Minister on the point. But we were a little uneasy about it, because it would be very awkward if there were no record of a notice reaching one, and if one were told, having done nothing about it, "You were rung up about it some days ago." In view of the Minister's undertaking, however, I do not think we should object to this Amendment.

Amendment agreed to.