Former MP for Eastbourne
We who represent constituencies in the areas served by the Southern Railway are placed in a very difficult position to-night, because, while we do not want to obstruct this Bill, which is going, possibly, to improve the railway system, or find work for the unemployed, yet we feel that to let this Bill go through at the present stage would be a mistake, unless we could get some assurance from...
Otherwise we shall be compelled to obstruct the Amendments to the best of our ability. I hope that my right hon. Friend will see his way to give us this assurance, and I invite him to do so.
In view of the statement made by the right hon. Gentleman, as far as I and many of my friends are concerned, we are willing to withdraw our objection, on the distinct understanding that our grievances will be very favourably considered. I hope that the Mover of the Amendment will take the same course. We do not want to obstruct the Bill, but to safeguard the interests of our constituents.
On a point of Order. Is the Minister's Amendment before the Committee?
I beg to move, in page 5, line 11, to leave out the word "prescribed," and to insert instead thereof the word "made." The few remarks which I desire to make on this Amendment apply also to the Amendment following it on the Paper. I do not desire at this hour to say more than that the two Amendments represent what is considered to be a necessary precaution in connection with the making of the...
Supposing the houses did become suddenly cheaper, and the local authority were about to make a profit, we are told it would be only for a very short time. Does that provision apply to houses to be put up now, or merely to houses which are put up in the future?
We might see a vast quantity of houses put up in the next two years, and we should be going on paying the subsidy. Therefore, the point of the right hon. Gentleman below the Gangway is not met.
It is difficult to know exactly what the hon. Member does want. He started by saying he did not want the agricultural labourer subsidised, but he went on to support the views we take on this side.
