Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [HL]

My name is added to that of the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, in opposing the Question that Clauses 23 and 24 stand part of the Bill. The clauses address a different point, placing a duty on authorities to take steps to involve representatives of interested persons in their relevant functions. However, I feel that I am returning to the old arguments; as with the duty in Clause 1, I agree that these are desirable aims but a duty is not required. I do not need to detain the Committee on this point; I merely flag up these clauses as ones which the Government must reconsider when they look again at Part 1, as I am sure they intend to do.