Clause 16
Local Democracy, Economic Developmentand Construction Bill [Lords]
6:30 pm
Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall, Liberal Democrat)
I find that somewhat reassuring, and I think that it is important that we have had the debate. I know that those who will implement the legislation will have regard to the discussions that we have had here in Committee and on the Floor of the House. It is important, therefore, that we put on the record our concerns for junior officers.
I have some sympathy with what the hon. Member for Peterborough said about the whole idea behind the clause—calling officers to account—but it is not totally unreasonable to expect the most senior officers of an authority to come and give evidence on an issue to a meeting of that authority. I am talking not about a public meeting arranged in the community by a pressure group, but about meetings of that authority. People would particularly like to see the chief officer there, giving evidence while an issue was being considered. I think that that is a reasonable way to proceed, but there are concerns about junior officers, as I said. They might not be supported or, indeed, paid well enough to be expected to take the heat at a public meeting in that way. I am glad that the Minister has considered it. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.