Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

I move this amendment on behalf of my noble friend Lord Greaves, who, due to unforeseen circumstances, is unable to be with us this afternoon. I will send noble Lords’ good wishes. Amendments 131 and 132 relate to Clause 19. Amendment 132 would delete subsection (7), which says: "““The powers conferred by this section are subject to the requirements of this Chapter””." I understand that the noble Lord tabled the amendment because he did not understand what that subsection meant. I think—Hansard cannot reflect my italicisation of that word—I know what it means, but it would be good to have the Minister’s explanation. Amendment 131 would insert ““or may not”” after ““may””. I assume that, if one may do something, one may also not do it, but I hope that the Minister will confirm that that is implicit. The noble Lord, Lord Greaves, tabled the Question whether Clause 19 shall stand part, to which the noble Baroness, Lady Warsi, and the noble Lord, Lord Hanningfield, have attached their names, because he was particularly concerned about subsection (6). A theme which ran right through our debates on petitions is the number of people who will be employed, in this case at national or government office level, to monitor how petition schemes go. In this clause, the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers may direct a principal authority to make revisions to a scheme. I do not think that I need repeat the concerns on this side of the Committee about the heavy-handedness of some of the provisions. I beg to move.