HL Deb 14 December 1992 vol 541 cc393-4
The Chairman of Committees (Lord Ampthill)

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The House may care for some explanation. One of the issues before the Select Committee is how much noise and disruption would result from the proposed tramway if it were to be built and operated. The Select Committee has already paid a visit to the site of the proposed works in and around Croydon and has seen the distances between the tracks of the proposed tramway and neighbouring homes and buildings. But it is difficult to judge what tram noise may affect local residents until the trams are up and running. In order to save days of abstract argument in committee about noise, the committee decided that it would be valuable to visit a modern, operating tramway system. Three such systems exist close to London in terms of journey time. These are in Manchester, Amsterdam and Nantes. Nantes has been chosen as most suitable because tram vehicles running there resemble most closely those which are likely to be introduced into Croydon, should the Bill be given Royal Assent.

To ensure fair play, the Select Committee will be accompanied by three representatives of the promoters and three representatives of the petitioners against the Bill. The promoters will pay the cost of the visit.

I realise that the coincidence of this visit with the approach of Christmas could give rise to notions that the Select Committee may be tempted to take advantage of the visit for gastronomic research. The House will be reassured or saddened to know that the committee will be flying from Biggin Hill aerodrome and that luncheon will be taken in the tram depot.

Moved, That the Select Committee on the Bill have leave to visit Nantes, France, in connection with its consideration of the Bill.—(The Chairman of Committees.)

Lord Stoddart of Swindon

My Lords, did I understand the noble Lord to say that the total cost of the visit will be paid by the promoters or will Parliament pay for the cost of the Parliamentarians?

The Chairman of Committees

My Lords, the total cost will be paid by the promoters.

Lord Cockfield

My Lords, is it really right that the cost of such an expedition should be paid by a party to the proposals?

The Chairman of Committees

My Lords, I do not know why not. It is they who wish to have the Bill. They have to pay an enormous number of other costs as well. It is only right that this cost should he borne by them.

Lord Clinton-Davis

My Lords, are there any precedents for that?

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe

My Lords, when the Committee which sat to consider the Felixstowe Dock and Harbour Bill visited the site at Felixstowe, is the noble Lord aware that we were given lunch (I would not say that we were entertained) in the canteen there at the cost of the promoters? However, they particularly pointed out to us the very frugal nature of the meal in order that no such consideration, such as that which has been raised by the noble Lord, Lord Cockfield, could be considered.

The Chairman of Committees

My Lords, this is very rare. We cannot find a precedent for a Select Committee considering a Bill in connection with a matter within the United Kingdom which requires to go abroad. That is why the Motion is before the House. Of course, it is quite normal for visits to be made throughout the United Kingdom. I appreciate the contribution made by the noble Lord, Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe.

On Question, Motion agreed to.