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Commons Bill [HL]

I will do my best to enlighten my noble friend. We think that it will make it much easier for commons that want to establish a statutory association to have a standard constitution from which they can pick and choose what is relevant to their needs. There is a standard constitution, from which they will pick what is appropriate for them. This is a two-tier approach, with a standard constitution prescribed in regulations with individual establishment orders able to vary this case by case. Not to have a standard constitution would make the life of those who want to set up statutory commons associations very difficult indeed. The noble Baroness asked many detailed questions about the draft regulations that we have circulated. They are important points, but frankly they are matters of detail which will be discussed and which we will consult on before implementing the draft regulations. We can reconsider the good points that she made in the light of the responses. I remind the Committee that the regulations will come before both Houses for affirmative approval. They will certainly be debated in due course.