§ Mr. CorrieI beg to move Amendment No. 102, in page 10, line 27, after 'time', insert:
'and upon reasonable notice being given to the owner and occupier'.It seems only fair that an owner or occupier should be advised when people are going to trample over his land to stick up notices, put in marker pegs or drill survey bores. It may be that an area is in crop when the land has to be surveyed. Much ill feeling can be aroused when an occupier comes upon someone undertaking test bores in the middle of his hay field.It may be that a survey must be done in an area in which there are dangerous animals and the surveyor may be at risk. It may seem a small point, but it is an important one which could smooth the way for better public relations. The amendment suggests that both owner and occupier—to cover both the tenant and the landlord—should be informed. I hope the Minister of State will see his way to accepting it.
§ 1.15 a.m.
§ Mr. MillanI appreciate what the hon. Member is attempting to do here, but the clause as drafted is precedented in Section 265 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972 and the amendment, however well intentioned, would add nothing to the clause. I am advised that the words which are already in the clause—the words "at any reasonable time"—precisely cover the point with which the hon. Gentleman is seeking to deal. His amendment would add nothing, and it might cast doubt on the earlier provisions in the 1972 Act and elsewhere.
§ Mr. CorrieI beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Clause 14 ordered to stand part of the Bill.