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Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

That was a spirited defence. I am not sure that it will take us a great deal further if I try to answer each point, so I shall not. However, I hope that it is acknowledged that I am not seeking to exclude the Secretary of State from considering whether something is desirable or necessary. I do not think that I have ever come across a refusal to provide for consultation in a Bill because the consultation might be flawed. In this situation, I can understand the Government’s caution. I suppose that I have at least had put on the record the assurance that the consultation that I seek will take place. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 158A withdrawn. Amendment 158B not moved. Clause 32 agreed. Clauses 33 to 38 agreed. Clause 39: Public interest reports Amendment 159 not moved. Clause 39 agreed. Clause 40 agreed. Clause 41: Access to information Amendment 159ZA not moved. Clause 41 agreed. Clause 42: Consideration of report by entity Amendment 159ZB not moved. Clause 42 agreed. Clause 43 agreed. Clause 44: Fees Amendments 159ZC and 159ZD not moved. Clause 44 agreed. Clauses 45 and 46 agreed. Clause 47: Regulations Amendment 159ZE not moved. Clause 47 agreed. Clause 48 agreed.