HC Deb 13 April 1954 vol 526 c965
49. Mr. Thomton-Kemsley

asked the Prime Minister if he will cause the Town and Country Planning Bill and the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Bill, two almost identical Measures of great length and complexity, to be withdrawn and re-presented after the Easter Recess in a form which will enable a combined Bill to go before one Standing Committee instead of two, thus avoiding repetitive debates on the same principles, saving the time of many hon. Members and officials, and much public expense.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir. The complexity of the matters with which these Measures deal and the differences in the laws of the two countries make it impracticable to have a single Measure applying to both.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

May I ask my right hon. Friend if in future every endeavour will be made to save time and expense by adding a few additional Clauses to United Kingdom legislation to cover the special circumstances of Scottish law on land tenure?

The Prime Minister

I am advised that to attempt to apply the English Measure to Scotland in this sense would greatly add to its complexity and that it would involve a Scottish application Clause of indigestible length and complication.