HL Deb 22 December 1964 vol 262 cc716-8
VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will issue forthwith a White Paper setting out their proposals for a Lands Commission.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES (LORD MITCHISON)

No, my Lords. Legislation will be introduced as soon as possible. When it is introduced a White Paper will be issued explaining it.

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that Answer, may I ask whether he realises that there is now going to be a period of something in the nature of a month before, at the earliest, this legislation and the White Paper can come before Parliament? Is he aware that, since the events of October this year, there has been increasing uncertainty among the public and in the whole property world as to what the contents of this Government proposal may turn out to be? Is he aware that this is holding up the building of houses which will be sorely needed in the future and which will therefore not be there? Can he give us any encouragement to expect that this White Paper and legislation will be soon available—at any rate, when Parliament reassembles?

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I said that legislation will be introduced as soon as possible and that when it is introduced a White Paper will accompany it. I do not know how one can issue a White Paper about matters until their consideration has been completed.

VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS

My Lords, is the noble Lord saying that consideration of this matter has not so far been achieved and that the Government are not aware what their policy is going to be on this matter?

LORD MITCHISON

Really, my Lords! What I mean is that the legislation will be introduced and the White Paper will explain the Bill that is brought before Parliament. We cannot have a White Paper—if it is to be one to satisfy the noble Lord—that will do anything else. How can you explain a Bill until it has been drafted and prepared?

VISCOUNT DILHORNE

My Lords, the noble Lord said that the Bill would be introduced as soon as possible. Could he not be at least a little more precise in regard to that statement and say whether or not it will be introduced before Easter?

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I am afraid not. On matters of this kind it is clear that one must consult a considerable number of people. It is bound to be a complicated piece of legislation. I feel sure that the noble Viscount will agree that in matters of this kind it is better to be right than premature.