HL Deb 17 April 1958 vol 208 cc799-800

Insert the following new clause:

Protection of amenities

("2. In formulating or considering any proposals relating to their functions under this Act, the Board shall have regard to the desirability—

  1. (a) of preserving natural beauty;
  2. (b) of conserving flora, fauna and geological or physiographical features of special interest; and
  3. (c) of ensuring an easy passage at all times through the waters of the haven for ascending salmon and sea-trout.")—(Lord Silkin.)

On Question, Amendment agreed to.

Then, Standing Order No. 41 having been dispensed with (pursuant to Resolution):

LORD BRECON

My Lords, I beg to move that this Bill be now read a third time.

Moved, That the Bill be now read 3a.—(Lord Brecon.)

LORD OGMORE

My Lords, in speeding this Bill on its way, I should merely' like to explain for the benefit of the noble Lord, Lord Craigmyle, and others that we on this side do not object to the Bill at all—we entirely approve of it—but we wanted to make it a better Bill. We all agree with the Government's motive, but we were whipping them on to make their motive have a greater impact on the Bill than they had intended. I understand that in spite of the fact that some of our Amendments were not accepted on the Committee stage they have had a good deal of effect in Pembrokeshire, and, as the noble Lord, Lord Craigmyle, has said, the industrialists in that area and the local authorities have taken to heart what we have said. The noble Lord has introduced himself to us today in the rather new light of a sand and gravel merchant, and I have no doubt that he looks at the development of the Haven rather from that point of view. We on this side of the House, while we are prepared in every way to sympathise with those who want to bring development into this part of Pembrokeshire, which is suffering badly from unemployment, wanted to make sure that nothing which could be avoided should be done to spoil the natural beauty of the countryside. That was our whole object. I feel certain that the progress of this Bill through your Lordships' House has had the desired result; in other words, it has brought home to those who propose to develop the Haven, to the Conservancy Board and to the local authorities, that they must not do anything which is avoidable to desecrate this beautiful part of our country.

On Question, Bill read 3a, with the Amendments, and passed, and returned to the Commons.