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Commons Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am grateful to all those who have participated in this interesting exchange. We have explored areas in which councillors might have an interest that we had not even thought of when we started this exercise. Bodies such as rural development organisations might also be tapped for funding if assistance were needed. It is a frightening thought that the cost might be up to £100,000, which is a very substantial sum for setting up any organisation. I take my hat off to the Government because, practically without blinking, the Minister said that it was almost an impossible task, yet they are setting out to make this great judgment on each association as it comes along. We are grateful that the Minister has put some of the case history on the record because in his letter he went into many more scenarios of what might need to be weighed up in considering what would produce a suitable majority. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 28 [Status]: