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Climate Change Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for his reply and further explanation. It is still extremely important for this Bill, be that in the way it looks to the public, the climate committee or Parliament, to make some reference similar to this. This may not be the exact wording, but it needs to make some reference not only to biodiversity, but to broader ecological systems. I am surprised, though I clearly do not share the experience of the Minister, that legislation would apply to a body as independent as the Committee on Climate Change. However, I doubt that, for instance, at board meetings of the now defunct Strategic Rail Authority the question of biodiversity was looked at in every investment decision it made. No doubt it had a statutory obligation to do so, but I am quite certain that it never—or hardly ever—did. That is one of the reasons why this still needs to be within this Bill. On reflection, I tend to agree with the Minister’s comments on the other amendments I put forward, but it is important that we come back to extend this list in this one important area. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 50A to 56 not moved.] Clause 10 agreed to. Clause 11 [Duty to report on proposals and policies for meeting carbon budgets]: