§ 19. Commander Keransasked the Minister of Transport whether he will now introduce legislation to repeal the West Hartlepool Extension and Improvement Act, 1870, in view of the existence of Section 49 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.
§ Mr. HayWe have no reason to think that the operation of the present law is causing any substantial injustice. We will, however, consider when opportunity offers the desirability of legislating for the repeal of any provisions in local Acts which are inconsistent with those of Section 49 of the Town and Country Planning Act, 1947.
§ Commander KeransWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask him whether he will not agree that the Act of 1870 is very arbitrary by modern standards, that it is an Act which gives the citizen no right of appeal and is contrary to democratic Government of the present day?
§ Mr. HayI know that some of my hon. and gallant Friend's constituents feel strongly about this local Act. All I can say is that this is the first case which has been brought to our notice and, as I said in my answer, as and when opportunity offers for legislation we will consider it.