Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill

I do not believe there is any evidence at all and I shall be very interested to see what the Minister comes up with. The real evidence would be among non-metropolitan districts where the difference systems exist; you could not compare a county council with a metropolitan borough or a London borough. But some of the best performing councils in the country now—I do not know about CPAs and such like—are metropolitan district authorities, big city authorities and others which are elected by thirds. I am disappointed by the slight Stalinism of the Minister’s response; it seems to fly in the face of the devolutionary rhetoric. I say that tongue in cheek; it is certainly not a personal comment but it may be a comment on her Government. I have no intention of attempting to divide the House at 5.55 pm on a Thursday, so I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 70 to 74 not moved.] Clause 37 agreed to. Clause 38 [Resolution for elections by halves: requirements]: [Amendments Nos. 75 to 77 not moved.] Clause 38 agreed to. Clause 39 [Resolution for elections by thirds]: [Amendments Nos. 78 to 81 not moved.] Clause 39 agreed to. Clause 40 [Resolution for elections by thirds: requirements]: [Amendments Nos. 82 to 87 not moved.] Clause 40 agreed to. Clauses 41 to 50 agreed to. Clause 51 [Position if Electoral Commission act under existing powers]: On Question, Whether Clause 51 shall stand part of the Bill?