Orders of the Day — ELECTRICITY (SUPPLY) BILL [Lords].

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons am ar 25 Gorffennaf 1922.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Arthur Neal Mr Arthur Neal , Sheffield, Hillsborough

I thought my bon. Friend was rising to make a suggestion, and I gave way to him for that reason. All I was putting to the House was that we must have some scheme for dealing with this possible contingency. I cannot imagine that the difficulties suggested would arise if full effect were given to the proviso, that the authorities may refrain from making an apportionment if it can be shown that the deficiency can be met by an additional charge in future years, or if it is too small a balance to deal with. I think that really meets the case. I would be perfectly willing to strengthen this Sub-section against the making of a levy. I would be perfectly willing, if I carried the House with me and if the present Amendment were withdrawn, to strengthen this by inserting the word "shall" instead of the word "may," the effect of which would be that, where the authority was of opinion that by a reasonable adjustment of charges or otherwise, the deficiency could be made goad out of moneys receivable in future years, or that the deficiency was so small as to justify postponement of any apportionment, they "shall" refrain from making any levy. If that would meet my hon. and learned Friend the Mover of the Amendment and those who have spoken in the same interest I am prepared to move it myself.