Clause 43
Housing and Regeneration Bill
10:15 am
Lembit Öpik (Shadow Minister (Housing), Department for Communities and Local Government; Montgomeryshire, Liberal Democrat)
My understanding from our previous debate is that the agency would be able to operate the rocket as long as it was rented. If the rocket were bought, the agency would have to get someone else to look after it. Although I am not asking to do so, if called upon by the nation I would be happy to offer my services and perhaps knock a few asteroids out of the way in the process.
In a more mundane context, I have a simple question about the guidance that the HCA can give
“to such persons as it considers appropriate about any matters relating to its objects.”
Clauses 48 and 49 make it clear that there is a difference between guidance and directions. Although those clauses relate to the Secretary of State, presumably there is some distinction between guidance and directions. Due to my inexperience of my portfolio there may be a standard answer that I do not know, but will the Minister clarify the matter? How binding is the guidance that the HCA gives? Is it mandatory, or is it, within the more conventional meaning of the word, exactly that—guidance and advice? I hope the question makes sense to the Minister, and that he can provide some clarification.