HC Deb 14 April 1967 vol 744 cc1576-7
Mr. Cordle

I beg to move Amendment No. 48, in page 18, line 1, after 'alter' to insert: ',in such manner as he considers expedient in consequence of the passing of this Part of this Act,'.

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this Amendment I suggest that we can discuss Amendment No. 49.

Mr. Cordle

I agree. Amendment No. 49 is consequential on No. 48.

Both Amendments have been prepared by the Government. They are designed to make it clear that the alterations which can be made, under the powers conferred by the Clause, to the existing law relating to the removal of vehicles and charges for the removal need not be limited to abandoned vehicles. Under the existing law there are cases where vehicles which have not been abandoned can be removed. For example, vehicles which have broken down or which are causing obstruction on roads can be removed therefrom, whether abandoned or not.

When the Government alter the existing law under the powers conferred by the Clause, they desire to modernise the existing law relating to removal of vehicles and charges for the removal generally, not only in its application to abandoned vehicles.

The existing law for removing and disposing of abandoned vehicles will continue to apply in certain cases to abandoned vehicles. For example, the police have powers to remove abandoned vehicles. The existing law for removing vehicles other than abandoned vehicles will continue to apply. For example, the police have power to remove vehicles which are causing obstruction or danger. It is desirable that a uniform procedure and system of charges should apply in all cases.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: No. 49, line 5, leave out from 'in' to 'and' in line 6 and insert: 'their application to vehicles of any description, whether abandoned or not'.—[Mr Cordle.]