Written question asked by Baroness Hamwee (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Andrews (Labour) on Monday, 30 March 2009.

Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government whether under Clause 16(4) of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill a principal local authority could interpret "relevant officer" as meaning any officer of the authority.

Answer: Neither the drafting of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill nor Ministers’ comments suggest that principal local authorities should feel obliged to interpret "relevant officer" under Clause 16(4) the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill as meaning any officer of the authority. It would be open to principal local authorities under Clause 16(4) to specify in their petition scheme that any officer is a "relevant officer". However, the Government do not expect that authorities would choose to specify in their schemes that junior staff are "relevant officers" who would be required to give evidence under Clause 16.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2463; 709 c193-4WA
Session: 2008-09
Subjects: Accountability Evidence Local government Staff Overview and scrutiny committees Petitions
Legislation: Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill (HL) 2008-09
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk