§ Clause 33, page 28, line 20, leave out from ("shall") to ("specifying") in line 21 and insert (",within two weeks after the happening of the event, give to the Minister notice thereof")
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, Clause 33 lists certain events—the cessation of use, abandonment or resumption of use of a pipe-line—when notice has to be given to the Minister; and again it follows discussions with the Opposition in another place. They argued that danger could arise if old piping which had been abandoned was brought back into use without rigorous inspection, and asked the Minister to consider making provision for it. I do not think it is really very likely that a pipe-line owner is going to bring back an old and abandoned pipe-line into use without inspecting it very carefully, including attention to all the safety considerations, because it would clearly be as much in his own interest as anybody else's to make such an inspection. I think the same would apply to a disused pipe-line, though it is possible in this case that somebody might cease using one for three years or more, having every intention of using it again later, and in the meantime keep it in good order. I believe the risks of danger are fairly remote; but, all the same, I think that attention has been drawn to a real point in that Clause 33 as drafted does not specify any period within which notice of the events with which it deals is to be given. The present Amendment 156 remedies this defect by requiring it to be given within two weeks. I think it is perfectly sensible and reasonable. My Lords, I beg to move that this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.
§ Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(Lord Chesham.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.