HC Deb 11 July 1957 vol 573 cc573-4

Lords Amendment: In page 29, line 46, after the Amendment last inserted to insert new Clause C: (1) Where under section two of the Electric Lighting Act, 1909 (which relates to the construction or extension of generating stations), notice, and an opportunity of stating objections, are required to be given to the local authority of the district in which the land in question is situated, the like requirements as to notice, and as to an opportunity of stating objections, shall apply in relation to the local planning authority in whose area the land is situated. (2) An application for the consent of the Minister or of the Secretary of State under the said section two shall be in writing, and shall describe by reference to a map the land in relation to which the consent is required. (3) In this and the next following section 'local planning authority', in relation to England and Wales, has the same meaning as in the Town and Country Planning Act. 1947, and, in relation to Scotland, has the same meaning as in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act, 1947.

Read a Second time.

Mr. Maudling

I beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment.

This is a fairly small Amendment which will have no great practical effect. It gives statutory authority to an accepted practice. Where application is made for the construction or extension of a generating station under the Act of 1909 it provides that notice shall be given, not only to the local authority, but to the local planning authority. That will bring the provision for generating stations into line with the provisions for transmission lines which are, I believe, set out in the Act of 1919. At any rate, it has always been the practice, where a generating station is to be built or extended, to let the local planning authority know as well as the local authority. The Clause will give statutory authority to a general and sensible practice.

Sir F. Soskice

I agree with the right hon. Gentleman that this is a sensible proposal. It gives statutory sanction to a practice which has been carried on for some considerable time. It requires consultation with the local planning authority. That seems to us eminently sensible and does not effect any great change.

Question put and agreed to.