Planning Bill

I had thought that this would be the big debate of the evening, but surprisingly we have run out in less time than the previous debate on consultation. However, in terms of importance and significance, this is the debate that matters most this evening. I am grateful to my noble friend Lord Jenkin for setting out the background to this, particularly the parliamentary precedents that quite clearly indicate that what we are looking for is within existing practice in other areas. I do not intend to pick up the points made by everybody in the Committee because that would be a bit hard at this hour of the evening. In any event, I rather think that the meat came towards the end. We need to take very seriously what the noble Lord, Lord Turnbull, had to say. He said that what we are suggesting is within existing practice and would strengthen the position of the Infrastructure Planning Commission. Coming from a man with his background, that is a significant statement. The noble Lord, Lord Woolmer, got into an interesting position. I found his discussion rather depressing. He clearly has no confidence in Ministers’ capacity to persuade Members of either House to accept the position that they adopt. I found that slightly peculiar. Of course, he had an interesting time trying to question the moral authority of Parliament, but I accept that the Government go through a long procedure in order to reach a conclusion. However, if having gone through that procedure, which is known, they are unable to persuade Parliament that they have come to the right conclusion, the decision is flawed. Finally, the Minister said that national policy statements are government policy statements and that they are therefore to be inviolate. However, she opened up the dreadful prospect of a national policy statement that lasts as long as a Parliament and no longer. We have to be above that in these decisions. There is no question in my mind that, if we want this Bill to succeed, we cannot have a situation where these are simply statements of the Government of the day. That will not do. That is enough for me for now. We will go away and consider very carefully what the Minister has said. I am grateful for her explanation, even though I disagree with it. She should not be surprised if we wish to bring this back with rather more determination on another occasion. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 76 to 83 not moved.] Clause 9 agreed to. [Amendment No. 84 not moved.] Clause 10 [Sustainable development]: [Amendments Nos. 85 to 87 not moved.] Clause 10 agreed to.