Clause 1
12:00 pm
Vernon Coaker (Minister of State (Policing, Crime & Security), Home Office; Gedling, Labour)
The hon. Gentleman will know that new clause 4(4), which he quoted, says “to consult” and “to take account of”. He will accept that that is considerably weaker than the current power, which allows the Secretary of State to make strategic direction when she considers it to be in the regional or national interest. I accept that he can paint a picture in which everybody will consult, but his proposal would be much weaker in achieving what he has described. Not all regions are as good as his and mine in the east midlands. Why does he want to weaken this power, which would be a good reserve power to have should the picture he has painted not happen?