Greater London Authority Bill

I thank the noble Baroness for that answer. No one denies that Transport for London must have a strategic role. As I have said, it is welcome that borough councils can be represented on it. I thought that the Government believed, as I do, that we lived in a world of more localism—that one has to have the strategic with the local. The Local Government Bill, which we shall consider soon, provides for much more local working. I shall not refer again to Essex, but we want more transport decisions to be taken locally rather than strategically. Local people must be involved if we are to make more popular decisions. Transport for London needs to be both strategic and local. I do not agree that the present position is right and I welcome the borough representation on Transport for London. I simply want a provision that ensures borough representation across the parties. That would work much better. Although I shall withdraw the amendments for now, I shall pursue them because Transport for London could be improved by increasing the number of local representatives from boroughs, as the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, suggested. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 18 [Membership of Transport for London: eligibility of holders of political office]: [Amendment No. 41A not moved.] Clause 18 agreed to. Clause 19 [Remuneration and allowances]: On Question, Whether Clause 19 shall stand part of the Bill?