Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

I will not detain the Committee, as we have had an enormously long debate—I had not quite anticipated it turning into quite such a marathon. I am very grateful to the Minister for trying to answer some of my questions. If I may, I would like to pick up on two things. The noble Lord, Lord Cameron, was very helpful in what he said. I believe that people should be paid for what they do—I have no difficulty with that at all—although I am surprised about the pension rights. In no way was I suggesting, in moving my amendment, that only those people who have money should serve on boards. That is clearly undesirable. All people, from whatever walk of life, bring skills and gifts to contribute to various bodies and boards. The pension issue still puzzles me, as I said. Perhaps the Minister can look at it again. I think that the noble Lord, Lord Cameron, was suggesting that the provision would just apply to the chairman. However, paragraph 11 of Schedule 1, on page 45 of the Bill, states:"““If required to do so by the Secretary of State, Natural England must . . . pay such pensions, gratuities or allowances . . . in respect of any member””." It is not restricted to the chairman or deputy chairman.