Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his explanation of the Government’s attitude to these issues. I think that a good dinner must have been available around the House, because there seems to have been a lively debate on this subject from all those who have participated, and I thank them. I would quarrel slightly with the Minister about the idea that we were in any way bearing down on the tourist industry. As far as I know, the tourist industry is one of the great planks that those who live in rural areas use to maintain their way of life. I am not sure which bit of the tourist industry does not live in rural areas—perhaps bus tours. At the same time, it has been useful to sharpen our minds a little about the different roles of the two commissions, or whatever we like to call them, being set up under this Bill. We are grateful to the Minister for explaining his attitude to the amendments that we have tabled. In light of what he said, however, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 104 to 109 not moved.] Clause 25 [Directions]: