Orders of the Day — Compensation (Acquisition and Planning) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 February 1958.

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Photo of Sir Lionel Heald Sir Lionel Heald , Chertsey 12:00, 21 February 1958

The hon. Member seems rather to be taking advantage of my giving way to him.

On the question of individual freedom, I was just saying that there were large numbers who raised this matter from the very beginning, and it was very strongly raised before the last General Election. Indeed, there was some correspondence in The Times, I seem to remember, at that time. We made a prominent feature of it in our election addresses. I certainly did. I found in my constituency that this was something which caused a good deal of interest.

Incidentally, I believe that as a result of the line I took upon it there were a number of people—we had not the advantage of a Liberal candidate—who, I believe, may call themselves Liberals whether with a large or a small "I", who took the positive line they did because of the line I took upon this matter. A most important point is involved. Many of those who are described as floating voters would like to hear my right hon. Friend make it quite clear today that the Government support these ideas of individual rights and freedoms, in contrast to some of the views we have heard expressed by hon. Members opposite.

The proper course would be to give the Bill a Second Reading and allow the difficulties to be considered in Committee. No doubt there are difficulties—there always are in these matters—but I believe that they are greatly overrated. Several of the provisions are of the utmost importance to many individuals. At the very least, three or four provisions should become law, and I hope that every effort will be made to see that they do.