UK Parliament / Open data

Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Bill [HL]

I am grateful to the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, for her sympathy. I expected that the Minister would not like an obligation on the LBRO and I accept the force of the arguments about administrative overload and vexatious use. I understand too what the Minister has said about how the LBRO will be expected to be responsive. However, in any practical case, I have to say that it is unreasonable to think that a business will go to judicial review to try and get the LBRO to give advice. That would never happen because it would not be worthwhile. If, in practice, as the Minister hopes—and I share those hopes—the LBRO responds positively, that will be fine. If, however, the LBRO finds that it is in a sticky position and uses delaying tactics to avoid having to make difficult decisions, I suspect that some of its value will be undermined because I do not think that those seeking advice would ever wish to go to court to try and force the LBRO to give advice as appropriate. However, I just wanted to explore the issue. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
698 c104-5GC 
Session
2007-08
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
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