Clause 24
Business Rate Supplements Bill
10:15 am
Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
I am not entirely clear whether the right hon. Gentleman is addressing his remarks to the amendment or to the wider provisions of the clause. He may recall a previous debate about the power to cancel being given to the Secretary of State or, in Wales, the relevant authority. An amendment in my name sought to ensure that a person would have to demonstrate, rather than merely have to think, that there are significant problems, because there may be a change in Government or different local issues, and if there were any coincidence between the views of those who had opposed the ballot or imposition locally and the views of the new Government, the Secretary of State might on occasion use the power unfairly or precipitously. My earlier amendment sought to strengthen the provision in that earlier clause but, sadly, it was not accepted.