NORTH Somerset MP Liam Fox's Private Member’s Bill, The Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Bill, has passed its Third Reading in the House of Lords.

Sponsored and led seamlessly without amendment through that chamber by Lord Patrick McLoughlin, the Bill has now completed all its Parliamentary Stages.

It went on to receive Royal Assent on last Wednesday (May 24).

Under section 2(2) of the Electricity Transmission Compensation Act (as it will now be known), the Act is due to come into force two months after the day it received Royal Assent.

Between now and then, "the Secretary of State must draw up proposals for the use of alternative dispute resolution processes in electricity-related land acquisition cases".

The Act will therefore establish an independent mechanism for people to be able to appeal to get fair compensation for disruptions caused to their property by the National Grid UK.

Speaking following its passage through the House of Lords, Dr Liam Fox said: “We all understand the need for an effective, efficient and resilient electricity transmission system, but it cannot be built at the expense of our constituents and the natural justice to which they are undoubtedly entitled.

"We cannot allow large multinationals to bully those who have legitimate interests and grievances, and to use their financial, and therefore legal, might to crush resistance underfoot.

“Where disputes arise between one of the world’s most powerful companies and our constituents, it is essential that we have a means of resolving them in a way that is clear, affordable, fair and enforceable. This Bill will create that means.”

Following on from the Down Syndrome Act, the passage of the Electricity Transmission (Compensation) Bill means that Dr Fox has become the first MP ever to have two Private Members’ Bills successfully pass through Parliament in consecutive years.