Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

I also was puzzled why there was no guidance in this section. I think I understand why from my noble friend’s answer. If the Secretary of State had the power to issue guidance and the CRC was proving rather an embarrassment to the department and the Government—for example, in its rural-proofing exercise or its rural advocacy—it could be given guidance, in a sense, to back off. I think I understand that not having the power to give guidance strengthens the independence of the body.