Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

Before I address these three amendments to Clause 4, it would be useful briefly to set out what Clause 4 does. One of Natural England’s major roles will be as a key independent adviser to government, public authorities, its stakeholders and its customers. Ministers and the Government would fall under the definition of public authorities given in Clause 30, which I hope reassures the noble Baroness, Lady Miller of Chilthorne Domer. It will inherit the positions of English Nature and the Countryside Agency as statutory consultee in planning and other processes, and will be expected proactively to contribute to regional plans—I notice that the noble Earl, Lord Peel, is not in his place—such as the regional spatial strategies, which we will discuss in more depth when we move on to Clause 15. Clause 4 reflects the Government’s expectation that Natural England will provide public bodies with advice on request. Clause 4 also gives Natural England powers to advise any person either on request or on its own initiative. In order for Natural England to become the powerful and determined environmental advocate envisaged in the rural strategy, Natural England will also have the power to ask public authorities for a written statement should it believe that its advice has been sought but not acted on. Amendment No. 138 seeks to leave out ““give”” and insert ““provide””. Having listened carefully to the noble Duke, I am not sure why this is considered necessary. Both words appear to be synonymous. There are examples of both usages throughout the Bill. On that basis, I am happy to accept the amendment in principle but would like to ensure that there is at least consistency within different clauses, and will undertake to ensure that appropriate amendments are tabled at a later stage.