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London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Bill

We are in grave danger of discussing this clause several times, because I shall oppose the Question whether Clause 10 shall stand part of the Bill later. I shall therefore confine my comments to these amendments, to which the noble Baroness has just spoken. I have some sympathy with what she said. The London Assembly clearly has a role to play and it should be included in the list rather than,"““such other persons as the Authority thinks appropriate””." Why is Network Rail not on the list? If those preparing the Olympic bid had bothered to talk to Network Rail, they would not have made one or two of the mistakes that were made. After all, Network Rail owns and operates the rail network. I trust that it will be consulted. The amendment relating to waterways, tabled by the noble Baroness, is terribly important. The use of waterways could be enormous or it could be zero—we will debate the matter later. We need to think carefully about who is on the list and what roles they will play. Clearly the London Assembly, Network Rail and whoever represents the waterways—the Port of London Authority, presumably, in regard to the River Thames—ought to be consulted and their views listened to.