HC Deb 09 April 1964 vol 692 cc1378-9

Amendments made: In page 46, line 17, column, after "hot", insert "and cold".

In page 46, line 19, column 1, after "hot" insert and cold".

In page 46, line 21, column 1, after "hot", insert "and cold".

—[Sir K. Joseph.]

12 m.

Mr. Corfield

I beg to move Amendment No. 85, in page 47, line 3, at the end to insert: (4A) References in this section to the cost Incurred in executing or carrying out works shall include references to the cost of the employment in connection with the works of an architect, engineer, surveyor, land agent or other person in an advisory or supervisory capacity. Mr. Speaker, I think that this Amendment could conveniently be discussed with Amendments No. 86 in page 47, line 17, and No. 95 in Clause 47, page 51, line 6.

Mr. Speaker

Yes, if the House so wishes.

Mr. Corfield

The first Amendment makes it clear that in assessing the improvement grant that is payable professional fees may be included as a legitimate expense, that is to say, within the ceilings provided. As the House knows, the normal maximum grant will be £155, or 50 per cent. or £310. Therefore, provided that there is some leeway, something short of the maximum of £310, the professional fees may be included up to that amount, and the same applies with the more exceptional higher figure.

Amendment No. 86 applies that principle to Scotland, and Amendment No. 95 provides similar arrangements where local authorities are concerned with the improvement of their own dwellings and we are concerned with the contribution from my right hon. Friend rather than with the contribution from local authorities and private individuals.

Mr. MacColl

We welcome these substantial Amendments. My hon. Friends were very much concerned about this and a little uncertain about its implications. These Amendments make the position clearer, and I am glad that the Government have proposed them.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 47, line 17, at end insert: (a) in subsection (4A), for the words from "the cost of the employment" to the end there shall be substituted the words "fees payable to professional persons employed in connection with those works".—[Sir K. Joseph.]