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Infrastructure Planning (Decisions) Regulations 2010

My Lords, I start by thanking all noble Lords who have contributed to this debate. I also thank all noble Lords who have primarily focused on the detail of this measure, notwithstanding the declared and well recognised position of the respective parties in respect of the thrust of the legislation. I am afraid that I did not have the joy of participating in that legislation in any extensive way. I shall try to answer each of the questions that have been raised. The noble Lord, Lord Bates, talked about the democratic deficit, to which the noble Lord, Lord Jenkin, also referred. This was a well-trodden area when the legislation was debated. We believe it is important that that democratic component comes into play when the national policy statements are being constructed, debated and consulted on. We believe that is a very important component of the new arrangements.