Clause 23 - ''Local authority''
Local Government Bill
4:00 pm
Mr Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (Cotswold, Conservative)
I think that we have wandered the trails and paths of national parks enough. It is clearly on the record that they are not universally admired, but that, in general, the concept is good.
I am not at all convinced that the Minister will not use this clause to specify regional bodies with precepting and borrowing powers. The Government love such regional bodies, and I cannot see how they would be able to function without those powers. This clause is the Trojan horse by which the Government will introduce them.
We have explored this matter fully and there is no point in encouraging my colleagues to vote for the
amendment, so I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 23 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clause 24 ordered to stand part of the Bill.