Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

I feel very encouraged by the support of the noble Lord, Lord Carter. I must have argued my case more strongly and cogently than I did on the last amendment, which he did not feel able to support. I did not hear any support from the Conservative Benches, which slightly surprised me, knowing how keen they are on information being made available. I feel not one bit reassured by the Minister, because I would not like the public to have always to rely on the Freedom of Information Act. Parliamentary draftsmen should be consistent. In this instance I will leave enough time for the Minister to reconsider—I hope—but I feel inclined to return to the matter on Report. If we are to have a commission, the Government have to provide as much information to those paying for it—the taxpayers, in rural areas especially—as possible. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 257 and 258 not moved.] Clause 21 agreed to. Clauses 22 to 24 agreed to.