London Local Authorities Bill [Lords] (By Order)

My hon. Friend makes a fair point, but rather than regard that point as fatal to the Bill's future progress, the right approach is to say, as I will in relation to other matters, that I hope the Bill's promoters will discuss with officials in the relevant Departments how they might seek clarification and improvements. I am grateful to him for highlighting that matter. Similarly, we have to ensure that there is fairness in relation to the provisions in clause 8 for pavement charges. I understand the argument behind the clause, but equally we must ensure that an undue burden is not placed upon small local shops. We need to ensure proportionality.