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Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

The noble Viscount raises some interesting questions. On the Minister’s reply about guidance and directions, I simply ask who decides what is absurd. The commission may be doing something that the Minister regards as well beyond its brief but, if it believes that to be needed for rural areas, is it for the Minister to step in to say that what it is doing is absurd? We have severe reservations about the clause, especially given that we have had the words ““strong independent voice”” quoted to us more times since we started to debate the Bill then I can imagine. I question whether that voice can stay independent if it is given directions every time that it does something awkward, which may well be the case. I am reassured that the noble Viscount says that he will review the provision against the Natural England requirements, and so on. Perhaps we shall come back to the matter on Report.