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Localism Bill

I thank my noble friend for that observation. It is a matter of the precision of the language, and the key phrase is, "““the proper officer of the authority must arrange for a meeting””," to be held. Had the phrase been that the proper officer ““must arrange a meeting””, it would have been clear that a meeting must be specifically arranged. We believe that the wording in the Bill is clear. If it proves not to be the case, we are prepared to reconsider it. However, we believe that the meaning is clear. I would be grateful if my noble friend would withdraw his amendment. Amendment 128K agreed. Amendments 128L and 128M not moved. Amendments 128N and 128P Moved by