Clause 27

Part of Commons Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 5:30 pm on 25 April 2006.

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Photo of James Paice James Paice Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) 5:30, 25 April 2006

I am disappointed with the Minister, because I do not think that he has listened to the argument at all. I am not sure whether he is coming to the end of his file tonight.

I made the case as eloquently as I could, and I appreciate that it may have its weaknesses, but the comment from the hon. Member for Meirionnydd Nant Conwy underlined the matter completely. The phraseology is identical. Under clause 39, it is to do with the consent for works:

“the national authority”— that is, the Minister—

“shall have regard to...the interests of persons having rights in relation to, or occupying, the land (and in particular persons exercising rights of common over it).”

He obviously believes that, in that context, it is possible.