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Broads Authority Bill (By Order)

I beg to move, "That the Bill be read a third time upon this day six months." I am pleased to follow the hon. Member for Norwich, North (Dr. Gibson). Along with the hon. Member for South Norfolk (Mr. Bacon), I have tabled a blocking motion, having learned about parliamentary procedure as the Bill has progressed through the House. I do not know whether this is entirely the case for the hon. Member for South Norfolk, but I tabled that motion because I wanted to secure an opportunity to discuss direct elections and directly elected representation—the issue that the hon. Member for North-West Leicestershire (David Taylor) helpfully raised in his role as Chairman of the Select Committee examining the Bill. The blocking motion has ensured, too, that the Bill has received another airing in the House, which is a good thing. It is important legislation for Norfolk and the Norfolk broads, so it is right that it should receive proper parliamentary scrutiny. It is right, too, that people out there who are concerned about the Bill have their case made. Part of my contribution today will be to highlight some of the continuing concerns. As the hon. Member for North-West Leicestershire pointed out, those concerns are not likely to stop the Bill in its tracks, but the authority will have to address them in its implementation of the Bill and in the exercise of its powers, in order to rebuild trust. There is a range of views out there about the authority and the Bill. My constituency contains a significant part of the broads area and the area covered by the Broads Authority. There are some, including some of my constituents, who feel strongly about the Bill. It is easy to dismiss people who have strong views; I dubbed them ““the awkward squad”” and I think they are now using the label as a badge of honour, but they have legitimate concerns and they should be taken seriously and listened to.