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Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill

I always welcome the interventions of my hon. Friend, who gave invaluable help on the Opposition Front Bench during the Bill's passage. His presence today is much appreciated, as is his extensive knowledge of all these matters. During the Commons Committee stage, it was pointed out that, local rivalries being what they are—we need not go into that too deeply today—there might be occasions on which scores could be settled between local politicians, and parishes might get squeezed: hence the need to ensure that they have the best possible protection available to them. Perhaps, when we reach the amendments dealing specifically with parishes, the Minister could give us some reassurance that the process will not leave them high and dry. In the context of this group, however, I am content to have presented the arguments to the Minister on behalf of the Electoral Commission, particularly those relating to the potentially defective nature of clause 8. I hope that he will respond to them.