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Planning-gain Supplement (Preparations) Bill

If policy on planning in Scotland is not a matter for me as a UK Minister, clearly the conduct and operation of the Scottish Parliament is even less a matter for me. I know that the Executive and Members of the Scottish Parliament are examining the matter closely and will follow our debates, and I am sure the point that my hon. Friend makes will not be lost and will be considered by them. The hon. Member for Rayleigh does not do his case much good by misquoting the Scottish Executive. The Scottish Executive did not say that the planning-gain supplement was misconceived. It said that if it was misconceived, it might act as a disincentive. The hon. Gentleman laughs, but the distinction is rather important. I want to make sure that he is clear about that and that that correction is on the record. New clause 1 would delay the Bill’s coming into effect. That might be the hon. Gentleman’s intention, although he was not explicit about it. The new clause is designed to impede, rather than to improve, its operation. It would make the IT, staffing and preparation of systems that are necessary for any smooth, timely and efficient introduction much more difficult to achieve.