Commons Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am interested in that reply. I assume the Minister is saying that the local authority must take account of any complaint it receives about anything connected with any of its powers. That is nothing to do with commons legislation but involves the general powers and running of local authorities. The Minister is nodding in response to that, which is helpful. No doubt she will therefore say that my Amendment No. 61B is not needed. I was grateful to the Minister for much of what she said. She emphasised that there will be guidance and that local authorities, commons registration authorities and others will clearly be encouraged by the Government to take seriously their responsibilities under the new Act. I would prefer that their responsibilities were more clearly set out in the Bill and believe that enforcement against unlawful encroachment will remain with the Bill when it goes to the House of Commons. While we may rightly think that we have done a good job on the Bill, which arrived here first, there are unresolved issues. The unlawful interference on common land and the enforcement of acting against that will stay with the Bill beyond this House. I am grateful for the Minister’s response and I am sorry that she cannot accept the spirit of the amendments. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 43 [Power to exempt]: