(1)Section 119(1) of the [1948 c. 26.] Local Government Act 1948 (which relates to expenses of councillors in attending conferences etc.) shall be amended by substituting for the words " limitation with respect to numbers as may be prescribed " the words " conditions as may be specified " and by substituting for the words " other body or association for the time being recognised by the Secretary of State for the purposes of this section " the words " association of such councils ".
(2)The said section 119(1) shall have effect as if the reference to a conference or meeting included a reference to—
(a)a conference or meeting convened by any person or body (other than a person or body convening it in the course of his or their trade or business or a body of which the objects are wholly or partly political) for the purpose of discussing matters relating to the discharge of the functions of the local authority or to the development of trade, industry or commerce in the area of the local authority ;
(b)a conference or meeting convened by any government department or local authority, or by any other body exercising functions conferred by or under any enactment or Royal Charter, being a conference or meeting convened for the purpose of discussing any matter affecting the area of the local authority or its inhabitants.
(3)In the last foregoing subsection " the local authority " means the county, town or district council whose powers under the said section 119(1) are in question, and in relation to the discharge of functions includes any committee or sub-committee of the council concerned.
(4)In the said section 119, after subsection (2), there shall be inserted the following subsection :—
“(2A)Allowances may be paid by county, town or district councils in respect of expenses reasonably incurred by their members in connection with the installation or use of telephones for the purpose of the performance of their official duties”.