HC Deb 25 October 1967 vol 751 cc1658-9

Lords Amendment No. 34: In page 48, line 4, at beginning insert: Subject to the provisions of the next following section,

Dr. Mabon

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

I suggest, Mr. Speaker, that we take at the same time Lords Amendments Nos. 36 to 40.

Mr. Speaker

If there is no objection, so be it.

Dr. Mabon

These are related Amendments. The hon. Member for Edinburgh, West (Mr. Stodart) will recall the fears that were expressed in another place that Clauses 61 to 63 gave sweeping powers to local authorities to do things on privately-owned land without consulting owners or occupiers or following the normal procedures. The Clauses were not intended to have that effect.

We have stressed throughout our strong desire that the Commission and local authorities should achieve their objects by consultation and persuasion. These six Amendments to Clauses 61 to 63 make it plain that the powers which they give can be exercised only by agreement with persons having an interest in the land to which they relate or after completion of the ordinary statutory procedures relating to access orders or compulsory purchase. This is testimony of our sincerity in this regard.

11.15 a.m.

Mr. Stodart

This emphasises what was said from the Opposition benches from the moment the Bill was introduced, that if the Bill, which meets, I think, with general approval from all parties and interests in Scotland, is to be successful, it will depend almost entirely on sufficient information being given to people about what will happen and on people being consulted concerning access routes and paths.

Although I dare say that the Minister of State could shoot me down in saying that I welcome the addition of these words, having criticised the addition of certain other words earlier, these are valuable words as they place beyond any shadow of doubt that what we regard as important for the success of the Bill will take place.

Question put and agreed to.

Lords Amendment No. 35: In page 48, line 10, at end insert: but in doing so shall take into consideration the disturbance of any fishing rights over the waterway which may be caused thereby.

Dr. Mabon

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

The Amendment inserts a useful and specific reminder to local planning authorities to bear in mind the possible disturbance which their proposals to provide recreational facilities may have on fishing rights.

Question put and agreed to.

Subsequent Lords Amendments agreed to.