Commons Bill [HL]

I am most grateful to all Members of the Committee who have participated in the debate, which perhaps shows that there was a need for revisiting the question when we got to the establishment of commons associations. As I said, the amendment was probing, and is phrased in such a fairly wide way to probe what the Government might mean. It was interesting to hear what the noble Lord, Lord Williams of Elvel, had to say in terms of a more specific definition of whom there should be regard to. Obviously the Government are moving in some direction towards a specific definition in subsection (5) by stating that ““particular regard”” will be paid to certain persons. I am not sure whether the Committee thinks that definition strong enough, or whether whom there should be regard to is pointed out pertinently enough. In the mean time, it would be as well to go back and read what the Minister said—including his redefinition of what might be substantial support, if it is not a majority that he really means. In that case, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 128 not moved.]