HL Deb 03 July 1958 vol 210 cc523-4

3.5 p.m.

EARL DE LA WARR

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government when they will be in a position to introduce a Bill to ensure that owners whose land is compulsorily acquired will be entitled to be paid the fair market value of the land, assuming planning permission were granted for the projected development.]

THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (LORD MANCROFT)

My Lords, the Government are engaged on a re-examination of the existing basis of compensation for compulsory acquisition of land. This re-examination may well lead to amending legislation but I cannot say more precisely what the outcome will be.

LORD MESTON

My Lords, could not the noble Lord be more precise? Is he not aware of the intense feeling of very many people throughout the whole country that some legislation of an important amending nature should be introduced before the end of this year?

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, I am well aware of the intense feeling and the Government have given public expression already of their recognition of that feeling. Legislation may well be necessary, as I have indicated, but I am afraid that I cannot at the moment be more precise.

LORD LUCAS OF CHILWORTH

My Lords, would the noble Lord give the House an assurance that in their re-examination of this matter the Government will take into consideration the very pertinent comments upon this matter made by the Franks Committee?

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, certainly I can give that assurance.

EARL DE LA WARR

My Lords, would the noble Lord be good enough to give the House an idea of the timetable he has in mind for this reconsideration?

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, I am afraid that I cannot give a precise timetable. It is a very complicated matter indeed, but we do appreciate the need for urgency.

EARL DE LA WARR

My Lords, is the noble Lord able to tell the House whether we are likely to have any information this Session?

LORD MANCROFT

My Lords, I am afraid that I cannot. I will try to find out for the noble Earl, if he is anxious about the timetable, but I am sorry that at the moment I can give no more information than I have already given.