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Housing (Empty Dwelling Management Orders) (Prescribed Exceptions and Requirements) (England) Order 2006

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. I hope that she will not be embarrassed by my saying that she is rapidly getting a reputation for being a Minister who is direct and responsive, and who replies verbally to questions. I thank her for that. Today’s debate has been important. We discussed these matters during the process of the Bill, but a long consultation on which these final orders will be based has taken place since then. It has been important to see how the whole process has eased a little here and there, and how much attention has been given to matters which I and others raised. The problem with negative orders is that one does not see the results. The information which the Minister has given is important. The original order looks as though it will be a useful addition and not be terribly restrictive and directive as some people feared. It will be useful in what we all know is the unsatisfactory situation of properties being left to deteriorate without anybody apparently being able to do anything about it. I am grateful to the Minister. In view of her responsive and helpful reply, I beg leave to withdraw the Motion. Motion, by leave, withdrawn.