HC Deb 26 July 1955 vol 544 cc979-80
31. Mr. Hastings

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what steps he is taking to implement his undertaking regarding the rating of the northern and southern outfall sewers in the Greater London area.

Mr. Sandys

It was unfortunately found that the inclusion in the Bill of the proposed amendments to implement the undertaking would turn it into a hybrid Bill, and this would involve a lengthy procedure for which time is not available. It is, however, still the Government's view that the overground parts of these sewers should continue to be rated, and I am considering how best that result might be served.

Mr. Hastings

While I thank the Minister for what he has said, would it not be possible to implement the agreement without making the Bill a hybrid one, by not mentioning London at all but simply stating the size of the sewer?

Mr. Sandys

The hon. Member will know that the difficulty was initiated by one of his party colleagues. We have taken the best possible advice, but we are not satisfied that, without stretching the constitution, it would be possible to deal with the matter other than by means of a hybrid Bill.

Mr. Mitchison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that one of his colleagues in another place declined to move Amendments which had been tabled to give effect to the undertaking? As it was a perfectly clear and specific undertaking and now requires legislation to implement it, will he undertake to introduce the necessary regulation as soon after the Recess as possible?

Mr. Sandys

It is no good criticising the Government for not moving an Amendment in another place. In fact, I do not think it is proper for us to discuss that subject here. However, as I have already indicated, the difficulty was initiated by a member of the hon. and learned Gentleman's party.

Mr. Mitchison

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Am I not entitled to refer to Government statements in another place?

Mr. Speaker

That is right, but the matter cannot be debated at great length.

Mr. Mitchison

May I have an answer from the right hon. Gentleman to my last question?

Mr. Sandys

I was on the point of answering the second part of the hon. and learned Gentleman's question when he interrupted me. I have stated clearly that we still adhere to the view that the undertaking we gave was a correct one, and that it is proper, right and fair that the overground parts of the sewers should be rated. A Parliamentary difficulty has arisen, and I am examining the matter to determine how best we can ensure that the undertaking is in one form or another honoured.