Commons Bill [HL]

I am delighted that my noble friend Lord Livsey of Talgarth has tabled Amendments Nos. 19 and 21 because it is extremely important, given the discussion that took place at Second Reading, that we have more clarity in terms of definition and interpretation in this section of the Bill. It is important that we try to establish between ourselves exactly who will give advice on the issues. If it is simply to be Natural England rather than there being wider consideration of some of the concerns already expressed in Committee, we may have a major problem in future, not least because commoners, owners and other users of common land will not know precisely what was intended by this statute, when it is finally enacted. I take issue with the noble Baroness, Lady Byford; we are concerned about long-term viability as well as simple profitability. Profitability suggests a year-to-year situation, but what clearly faces lowland and upland farms at the moment is real concern about long-term viability. If we make the situation even more difficult for them by the way in which we define the issue in the Bill, we have a major problem. I hope therefore that, in response to my noble friend, the Minister will indicate what thinking is going on in the department on those extremely important issues.