Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

I cannot agree with the Minister’s last comment. When we touched upon the point made earlier by the noble Lord, Lord Judd, I explained—and will explain again—that we should select the most able and willing person to do the job. Selection should not be made on whether a candidate can afford to do the job. As a former member of the Train Users’ Consultative Committee many years ago—which then became the Rail Users’ Consultative Committee—we certainly received only travel expenses. I was well aware that one or two people serving on that committee would perhaps have benefited from a bit of extra help; although I was not in the loop and I did not know. I have tried to get two real issues across. Perhaps when the Minister has a chance to read Hansard they may become clearer. Board members—not including the chairman and deputy chairman, because their workload will be much busier—presumably will not bring a pension with them, because they are likely to be working people who may not have one. I am trying to establish whether the new system will pay them a pension, or contribute to a fund, which perhaps they do not have, if they are not of pensionable age.