Commons Bill [HL]

My Lords, government Amendments Nos. 21 and 22 are minor technical amendments to Clause 16 to bring greater clarity to the intention behind the current wording of subsection (8). The amendments provide that, where an application for a deregistration order under this clause does not include a proposal for replacement land, the national authority must when determining the application have particular regard to whether the absence of such a proposal is prejudicial to the interests of those with rights over the land, including commons rights holders, the neighbourhood and the public. We have taken note of concerns raised by the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, and, I believe, by the noble Duke in Committee that the previous wording of Clause 16(8) was not sufficiently clear. We believe that the amendments address that concern. The subsection as now drafted does not require the national authority to refuse an application where no replacement land is offered but does make it clear that this will be a factor in the determination process. I assure the noble Lord, Lord Greaves, that his amendment is no longer necessary as a result of these government amendments, and that all that both he and the noble Duke wished to happen will now happen.