Regulatory Reform Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 11:00 am on 29 March 2001.
Andrew Lansley
Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Policy Renewal
11:00,
29 March 2001
I beg to move Amendment No. 39, in page 8, line 42, after ``Wales'', insert—
`(ba) bodies representative of persons substantially affected by the enforcement activity to which the code of practice relates,'.
The amendment refers to Ministers' consultation on codes of practice for enforcement bodies. A Minister will have to consult representatives of enforcement officers, the National Assembly for Wales, and
``such other persons as he considers appropriate.''
That could include persons affected by the enforcement activity, but does not necessarily do so. When drawing up codes of practice for enforcement, it would be appropriate, in all circumstances, to consult representatives of those substantially affected by enforcement, to ensure that the code of practice met their interests, as well as those of the public or statutory bodies. The amendment would include in the Bill a requirement for Ministers to consult such persons. I hope that the Minister will accept it—that would make the hon. Member for Peterborough very happy.
Graham Stringer
Parliamentary Secretary (Cabinet Office)
There is little substantial difference between our viewpoints. If such powers were used it would almost certainly be because enforcement powers had been exercised too vigorously. That is likely to have been brought to the attention of the Government or of the Welsh Assembly by the persons affected. Speaking practically, they would already be involved in the process.
On any reading, the word ``appropriate'' will include people on whom regulations are being enforced. The wording already covers the hon. Gentleman's aim, so there is no reason to accept the Amendment.
Andrew Lansley
Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office and Policy Renewal
I am grateful to the Minister. I shall take it that in all circumstances where the enforcement activity substantially affects persons who should be consulted, Ministers will undertake to consult them and that the Bill covers that eventuality. On that basis, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 10 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Clauses 11 to 14 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
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