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Broads Authority Bill (By Order)

I hope that the hon. Gentleman will not wilfully misunderstand my remarks. It is clear that anyone can put themselves forward for appointment to the 10 places that are available on the Broads Authority. In the appointments procedure, people’s specific expertise in the local area as parish councillors can be considered. Local parish councillors can submit themselves to the board in the normal process. There is no bar to learning from experience elsewhere; the hon. Gentleman specifically asked about that. We should be always be open to that, and to appropriating that experience if it is suitable in the circumstances. I simply underline the fact that the House has already expressed the view that direct election to national parks would be inappropriate.