Clause 21 - Electoral commission exercise of functions
Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill
6:00 pm
Mr Philip Hammond (Runnymede and Weybridge, Conservative)
The hon. Gentleman's colleague, the Minister for Local Government and the Regions, has already observed that the two criteria set down in paragraphs (a) and (b) are potentially mutually incompatible and a balancing act will have to be struck. Is the hon. Gentleman saying that if a third criterion were introduced which was incompatible with the other two, it would be unlawful for the Secretary of State to give guidance that such a matter must be taken into account?