§ EXCHEQUER GRANTS FOR COUNTRYSIDE
§
Lords Amendment No. 39: In page 31, line 13, at end insert:
and expenditure in or in connection with the acquisition of land for the purposes of the functions conferred by the said section 89(1)".
§ Mr. SkeffingtonI beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment.
The effect of the Amendment is to provide that grants may be paid anywhere in the country for the acquisition of land for the purpose of planting trees to improve and preserve the natural beauty of the area. Hitherto, this has been possible in the National Parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Clause 30(1), head 8 provides for grant for planting in the countryside in general, but the rather restrictive wording of Section 97 of the National Parks Act might have thrown doubt on whether this grant was to be available throughout the country. It is one of the major purposes of the Bill to treat the whole country as one for this purpose. The Amendment removes any doubt.
§ Mr. SpeakerI suggest that with this Amendment we might take Lords Amendment No. 40.
§ Question put and agreed to. [Special Entry.]
§ Subsequent Lords Amendment agreed to. [Special Entry.]