Clause 19
Local Democracy, Economic Developmentand Construction Bill [Lords]
6:30 pm
Rosie Winterton (Minister of State (Pensions Reform; Minister for Yorkshire and Humber), Department for Work and Pensions; Doncaster Central, Labour)
There are two principles here. We want to ensure that if it is necessary to intervene in particular circumstances—in extremis—that will happen. I assure the Committee and particularly the hon. Lady that we do not intend to use the power unless very particular problems occur. Obviously, all these issues would be discussed with local authorities before any intervention.
With regard to amendment 50, it is important that we recognise that legislation is not always a precise science. Some things are much too detailed to put in the Bill and it is important that we have secondary legislation to assist us. So I hope that, in these circumstances, the hon. Lady will withdraw her amendment.