HL Deb 23 May 1905 vol 146 cc1088-9

House in Committee (according to Order).

[The Earl of ONSLOW in the Chair.]

Clauses 1 to 3 agreed to.

LORD MONKSWELL

moved the insertion of a new clause after Clause 3, the object of which was, he said, to bring the Bill in conformity with other Bills of the same character which had been passed from time to time. The clause which he proposed was the ordinary one to prevent compensation being claimed in respect of improvements made after a Bill for compulsory purchase had been introduced. A precisely similar proviso was inserted in the London County Council General Purposes Bill of last year, and he was told that the clause was the ordinary one in those cases.

Amendment moved— After Clause 3 to insert as a new clause, the words 'In settling any question of disputed purchase-money or compensation payable under this Act by the Council, the Court or persons settling the same shall not award any sum of money for or in respect of any improvement, alteration, or building made for or in respect of any interest in the lands created after the 18th day of October, 1904, if in the opinion of such Court or person the improvement, alteration, or building, or the creation of the interest in respect of which the claim is made, was not reasonably necessary, and was made or created with a view of obtaining or increasing compensation under this Act.'"—(Lord Monkswell.)

*THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL AND PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (The Marquess of LONDONDERRY)

My Lords, the noble Lord has stated with clearness the object of his Amendment. The Board of Education were not prepared to introduce a clause of this kind themselves, inasmuch as it did not come within their sphere, but as it has been proposed by the London County Council we do not offer any opposition to the Amendment. I understand that the clause is intended to protect the ratepayers, which is a very important matter at the present day, and to prevent any land which is taken compulsorily being built upon in order that a heavy compensation may be obtained when the Act comes into force. On behalf of His Majesty's Government; therefore, I accept the Amendment.

On Question, Amendment agreed to.

Remaining clause agreed to. Standing Committee negatived: the Report of Amendment to be received on Thursday next.