Bedfordshire (Structural Changes) Order 2008

Indeed, I take that point. The mayor was a very strong advocate of the unitary proposal. Now, he has been elected on a working mandate. In view of what the noble Baroness has said about consultation processes, relations with the new unitaries and so on, the consultation process would welcome any views. We certainly want to draw the attention of those who will make the decision to what has been said in this House at various stages about these processes. Of course, the process is open to noble Lords to take part and to make their views absolutely clear. Finally, I turn to the question asked by the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee. I responded as I did to the Merits Committee because that is our absolutely serious judgment—for the reasons not least picked up by the noble Lord, Lord Dixon-Smith. We have not speculated on what the implications would be if the order were to be quashed. My understanding is that, with the order having gone through, it might not be possible for the court to do anything other than accept that it had gone through. I have gone as far as I can in trying to explain why, in terms of the process and the timing, we do not think that it is likely that the court will come to that conclusion. I am grateful to all Members of the Committee who have spoken. We will follow up what has been said. I am very willing, as are our officials, to talk to noble Lords about future processes in the context of the orders that will come forward in due course, and about the principles and the processes that have led us to this situation today. I am very grateful for the support. On Question, Motion agreed to.