Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

The noble Baroness, Lady Andrews, will recall that at an earlier stage of these proceedings I alluded to her forecasts about the state of the economy when we were dealing with the Housing and Regeneration Bill, which I fear have not turned out to be exactly as she predicted. I have not yet looked up the precise text; since the Committee last met, I have been to two funerals in different parts of the country, and you cannot get everything done. But my recollection—this is a recollection only, as I have not looked up the text—is that the Minister was extremely optimistic about the number of houses that were going to be built, and saw no reason for my pessimism. Again, my view seems to have been justified by events. I am not suggesting for a moment that I would be so unchivalrous as to take down what the Minister says on this subject and use it subsequently in evidence against her but, on the basis of the cases that I have identified, I shall listen very closely to what she says.