HC Deb 23 March 1959 vol 602 cc916-7
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

I beg to move, in page 2, line 34, to leave out "by the acquiring authority".

If it would suit the convenience of the Committee, I suggest that this Amendment should be discussed with the immediate subsequent Amendment, to line 35, after "proposals", to insert "of the acquiring authority".

As hon. Members know, subsection (2) of Clause 2 at present applies where the relevant interest is being acquired for purposes which involve the carrying out by the acquiring authority of proposals for development. It may well happen, however, that an authority may buy land for the purpose of making it available to some other body or person to carry out the development. This is especially true of a local authority. For example, a local authority might purchase land and proceed to make it available for transforming into an industrial estate on which factories might be built. In other words, the proposals for development are those of the acquiring authority, but the actual execution might rest with some other body.

These two Amendments, which, incidentally, were suggested to my right hon. Friend by the Law Society, have the effect of making subsection (2) of this Clause apply where the relevant interest is to be acquired for purposes which involve the carrying out of the proposals of the acquiring authority but not necessarily by the acquiring authority.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 2, line 35, after "proposals", insert "of the acquiring authority".—[Mr. Bevins.]

Motion, and Question proposed, That the Clause, as amended, stand part of the Bill.

Mr. G. R. Mitchison (Kettering)

I would mention, Sir Charles, that there is an Amendment for a later stage of the Bill to leave out Clause 2. It arises in connection with the Amendments to the next Clause. I merely mention it now so that it shall not be assumed that we are waiving any rights in the matter.

The Chairman

That is on the Report stage. I think that that Amendment has not been selected.

Mr. Mitchison

I think that the position, Sir Charles, is that unless our next Amendments are carried it will not arise.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.