HC Deb 26 July 1957 vol 574 c795

Lords Amendment: In page 5, line 47, after "six" insert: (Special provisions as to ancient monuments, etc.).

Mr. Renton

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

In Clause 2 (2), the National Coal Board is required to say, as soon as is reasonably practicable after receiving a damage notice, whether it is to discharge its obligation by making a payment instead of carrying out remedial works. The Board may not be able to make this decision in the case of ancient monuments and historic buildings, in the event of the House accepting a new Clause—(Special Provisions as to ancient monuments, etc.)which I am to move at a later stage—until it knows the views of the Minister of Works, upon whom the new Clause will place an obligation with regard to ancient monuments. The Minister of Works will be required to say what work should be done. Therefore, this Amendment is necessary to provide that the Board must give its decision as soon as reasonably practicable, having regard to that obligation of the Minister of Works.

Mr. R. Williams

This again is an improvement which has followed representations made from this side of the House. I think the Government have met the point fully, and that the Amendment should receive our full support.

Question put and agreed to.