Tom Brake (Shadow Minister, Department for Communities and Local Government; Carshalton & Wallington, Liberal Democrat)

Hon. Members will be pleased to hear that I shall speak briefly to the amendments. Amendments Nos. 118 and 140 touch on whether the powers to require information from partner authorities extend to requiring those to give oral evidence. There may be occasions where written information is appropriate and others in which oral information—requiring people to come in front of the committee—is appropriate. [Interruption.] I see that the advice that the Under-Secretary is receiving is probably that that would encompass both things. It would be helpful if she confirmed that.

Amendment No. 119 is slightly different and deals with whether there will be a power to require information from contractors working for partner authorities. Again, if I can put it disparagingly, it may be necessary to hear from the organ grinder—the contractor doing the work—rather than the monkey. It may assist the partners, if that power is included, to require their contractors to provide information. I hope that the Under-Secretary can clarify whether my understanding of “information” is correct and whether contractors can be required to give information.

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