Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

moved Amendment No. 259:"After Clause 24, insert the following new clause—" ““GUIDANCE    The Secretary of State may give the Commission guidance as to the exercise of its functions.”” The noble Duke said: We are now moving on to the powers of the Secretary of State. On page 6, the Bill contains a section governing the issue of guidance to Natural England. It also has a section on directions for Natural England. Does the exclusion of guidance from the rules governing the rural commission imply that it will be totally unfettered in the pursuit of its purpose? Do the Government consider that Chapter 2 is sufficient to ensure that the many parties with whom the commission will have to deal will be constrained to pay attention? Guidance is a two-edged weapon. It compels the object of its strictures to consider it, but it has an effect on the relationships that that body has to form to meet its purposes. Do the Government consider that, without guidance, other departments, employer organisations, local authorities, property developers and the like will appreciate the necessity of working with the commission and take heed of its message? I beg to move.