RECOVERY BY LESSEE OF PROPORTION OF EXPENSES INCURRED IN REPAIRING HOUSE (Hansard, 30 June 1969)

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
I beg to move Amendment No. 22, in page 18, line 22, leave out "seven" and insert "fourteen".
I am by way of being a mediator in this matter, because in Committee the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles (Mr. David Steel) moved an Amendment to delete 7 and insert 21. The Minister of State then suggested that 21 was the maximum number of days there could be and that there might be something better in between. I have tried to produce something better in between, which, I am glad to say, is supported by the hon. Member for Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles. I have reached the difficult decision that the something better between 7 and 21 is 14.

§ Mr. David Steel
I am always glad to welcome a sinner to repent, even a Tory sinner. I am delighted that the Opposition Front Bench has adopted the improved form of the Amendment I moved in Committee. It is not a question of my supporting the Opposition's Amendment but of our both tabling similar Amendments on the same day. I am delighted that the Opposition have joined forces with me on the point which I and the hon. Member for Edinburgh, South (Mr. Clark Hutchison) pressed on the Minister in Committee. The figure of 14 came from the lips of the Minister, so it will be difficult for him to refuse to accept this reasonable Amendment.

§ Dr. Dickson Mabon
As I was half way to the penitent's stool in Committee, the House will not be surprised to hear 180 me say that the Government are happy that this Amendment should be made.