I hope that you had the opportunity for a good lunch, Mr. Cummings. I was able to have only a glass of wine on the Terrace, I am afraid. It was a very nice glass of wine and very reasonably priced, but it was only wine and no sustenance.

I am delighted that my persuasive powers have persuaded my colleagues to come here and join me.I am, as ever, joined by my fantastically loyal Parliamentary Private Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for West Ham. I want to place on the record my thanks to her. She has engaged in the spirit of the Bill with gusto and provided a way forward.

The hon. Member for Ruislip-Northwood asked me to clarify the Government’s intent. I take it from that that he feels that I did not clarify it, so I intend to do so now. The Government support part of the intent of clause 5 and new clause 3. It is not the principle thatwe have a problem with; it is the drafting and the application. I hope that I have convinced the Committee that we are a devolutionary and decentralising Government—the two are different. We believe that decisions, including funding decisions, should be taken locally wherever possible.

I put it on the record for the sake of clarity that I propose to table an amendment on Report that I believe will cover the intent of clause 5 and newclause 3. My proposal is that if authorities consider that the function or functions of one body should be exercised by another, they should be able to make representations to that effect under new clauses 5 and 6. However, we think that, wherever possible, local authorities should seek to use their powers under the Local Government Acts of 1972 and 2000. We believe in a consensual and devolutionary approach to these issues.

There is agreement that the original clause 5 should not stand part of the Bill. I expect that the hon. Gentleman will wish his new clause 3 to be included in it. Although I cannot support the detail, I have no problem with the principle, as I said. Therefore, I do not intend to oppose new clause 3. I hope that that clarifies the matter. If not, perhaps he or other hon. Members will say so.