Commons Bill [HL]

My Lords, the noble Baroness makes a very interesting point. Sometimes local authorities may assist but I do not think that they are bound to give money. Other money may be forthcoming. The RIA figures that she gave are correct but are based on Dartmoor and other existing associations. The noble Baroness will not be surprised to hear that our own view is that they are an overestimate in some cases. If local authorities are involved to the extent of having to pay some money—who knows whether they will be prepared to?—someone in the authority will have to take a decision about that. I doubt whether these days the full council would take that decision, but if it does, the noble Duke’s amendment is not necessary.