HC Deb 13 July 1954 vol 530 cc377-8
Mr. H. Macmillan

I beg to move, in page 34, line 7, to leave out from "shall," to the end of line 14, and to insert: if so required by the local planning authority to whose decision the direction relates or by any person who made, and has not since withdrawn, a claim in respect of that decision, afford an opportunity for that authority or person to appear before, and be heard by, a person appointed by the Minister for the purpose. The object of this Amendment is to provide that in all cases claimants for compensation shall receive notice of a proposed direction under Clause 29 and shall have the opportunity of requesting to be heard by a person appointed by the Minister before the direction is given. This is not a full inquiry but a hearing which should be valuable for the claimants and, in the long run, should help to avoid disputes.

Mr. Horobin

The Minister has done something which will give great satisfaction not only to owners but to all right-minded authorities. It is clearly right that both sides should be heard before the Minister gives a direction. The Amendment makes good what some of us conceived to be a difficulty in the Bill, and I am grateful for it.

Amendment agreed to.

Mr. H. Macmillan

I beg to move, in page 34, line 17, to leave out "to the applicant."

This is a small point, but a logical change. On reflection, it is thought to be a mistake to give the applicant for planning permission a standing under this Clause as such. If he owns an interest on the land affected by the planning decision, then he is almost certainly a claimant for compensation and entitled to be heard in that capacity. If he owns no interest, there seems no reason why he should play any part in the proceedings on a claim for compensation.

Amendment agreed to.