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Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [HL]

I acknowledge the firm smack I have had from the noble Baroness, Lady Turner of Camden; I will reflect on that. A difficulty, a drawback recounted about this country in general terms—I do not mean over five or 10 years, but since the war—has been a reluctance to innovate, the danger that we prefer what is tried and tested. We often find pushing forward more difficult. I am anxious that, for better local regulation, nothing should inhibit people from innovating and trying new ways and approaches. That was the purpose behind my amendment. I am not surprised that the Local Government Association opposes my amendment because it is just one more duty. I understand why people would find it easier to push it to one side. However, in the interests of UK plc and the prosperity of the country writ large, it has merit, notwithstanding the effective demolition job that the noble Baroness, Lady Turner of Camden, gave it. However, I will reflect carefully. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.