Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill [Lords]

I hear the hon. and learned Gentleman, but I would not for a moment accuse my right hon. and hon. Friends on the Front Bench of presenting this Bill without having given it the most serious thought and consideration. I am sure that that applies to all the Ministers we have seen here today, including the Secretary of State, and not least to the Minister for Local Government, who will respond to the debate and on whom I am determined to offer the greatest possible blandishments in the course of my remarks.