Clause 38 - Code of practice on local authority publicity

Part of Local Audit and Accountability Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee at 2:45 pm on 19 November 2013.

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Photo of Chris Williamson Chris Williamson Labour, Derby North 2:45, 19 November 2013

It is a sledgehammer to crack a nut. We have already made the point that there is no problem with the voluntary code and that the LGA does not have a problem with it. The clause would put so much power in the hands of the Secretary of State and one wonders where he or a future Secretary of State will go with that power. It is unjustified. Why legislate when there is no evidence to justify the legislation? That leaves me suspicious and leads to suspicions in the minds of people from all parties—outside this place, if not in this room.