Clause 51
Crossrail Bill
4:00 pm
Stephen Hammond (Shadow Minister, Transport; Wimbledon, Conservative)
There was some confusion about the amendments. There was initially some transposition of their wording, but that problem has been corrected on the amendment paper. The Minister was quick to spot the transposition, and I congratulate him on doing so. I have also made an error in amendment No. 61, which I am sure will cause him to make some other point. The amendment should state “Royal Parks Agency”, not “Royal Parks Association”.
Clause 51 looks at the disposal of land managed by the Royal Parks Agency or the Crown Estate Commissioners on behalf of the Crown. Under the clause, the Secretary of State may grant a lease, easement or other right over such land. The purpose of my amendment is to avoid any perceived conflict of interest resulting from the fact that, as the explanatory notes point out, the Secretary of State is also
“the legal personality of the Royal Parks Agency”.
It would require the Secretary of State to consult with the operational head of the Royal Parks Agency before exercising his powers in respect of the Crown land, and it would introduce a consultation process with other interested parties. It would also ensure that the basis of any decision to dispose of Crown land is as robust as possible, and is informed by consultation with the most appropriate parties.
Amendments Nos. 63 and 62 are designed to achieve the same effect. They would make a minor change to the wording of the clause, and would require the Secretary of State to demonstrate that the land in question was needed for Crossrail. A consistent theme of mine during our sittings has been to ensure that we provide accountability and responsibility while giving the Secretary of State the flexibility and the exceptional powers that he wants. I hope that the Minister will look favourably on the amendments.