HC Deb 10 June 1971 vol 818 cc1382-3

Lords Amendment: No. 19, in page 26, leave out "any skip owned by him" and insert or cause to be deposited, a skip

Mr. Graham Page

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

Mr. Mulley

This is a convenient procedure and I do not wish to delay the House, but I have noted that Amendment No. 49 to Clause 66 extends the power of parish and county authorities to take proceedings for certain breaches of the law enforcement provision relating to footpaths. This was a point to which some of my hon. Friends attached importance and raised in the House. The Minister was not then able to agree to the Amendment they sought, but I am sure that it would be their wish if I conveyed their thanks to him. I also congratulate him on the smooth passing of the Bill, which I am sure will be a great improvement in our highway law.

Mr. Graham Page

The Clause to which the right hon. Gentleman refers is a compromise between the amenity societies who were pressing on one side for power to prosecute and the National Farmers' Union on the other side who fear that there may be embarrassment to farmers if Tom, Dick or Harry were allowed to prosecute. Therefore, it has been restricted to district and parish councils to take action in these cases.

I also take this opportunity of thanking the right hon. Gentleman and his colleagues for the great help that they have given in the course of the Bill. I hope that between us we have put something constructive on the Statute Book.

Question put and agreed to.

Remaining Lords Amendments agreed to.