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Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

We have triggered a rather interesting little debate. I thank all those who have contributed. In particular, I draw the Minister’s attention to the argument put by the noble Viscount, Lord Bledisloe, which is very involved. It is interesting how wording, as always, can be interpreted in different ways. The Minister tried to suggest that the wording we had put down was somehow going to weaken the Government’s position towards sustainable development, whereas our intention was to strengthen the commitment of Natural England towards sustainable development. Given the complications that have arisen, and in the hope that the Government will look at some of these things in a little more detail, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.