Clause 26
Local Transport Bill [Lords]
10:45 am
Norman Baker (Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Transport; Lewes, Liberal Democrat)
I will speak very briefly to the amendment as I intend to withdraw it in due course, but I wanted to get one or two comments on the record.
The proposal harks back to our long discussions on clause 23 and new clause 5, on which there will be a vote in due course. We identified various scenarios for improving on the quality contracts scheme, which Members discussed at some length last week.
The hon. Member for Manchester, Blackley and I set out three options. The proposal is a fourth; it would remove the Transport Tribunal from the process, thereby eliminating one of the hurdles that local authorities face. In my view it is the fourth best of the four options. The best option is the one set out in new clause 5. However, it is an option and I offer the Minister this opportunity to comment, having, I hope, reflected over the weekend on the strong views that were put to the Committee both by her colleagues and by me, and to let us know whether she is likely to recommend to the House on Report some changes to the quality contracts procedure, which as she knows know was severely tested last week in Committee.