Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill

I understand the hard work that goes on in Select Committees to try to deal with such issues, but as we all know—certainly those of us with local authority backgrounds—often there will be no response to a consultation and the matter appears entirely benign, until it is implemented. Then everybody says, ““Why didn’t you ask us? Why didn’t you consult us? Why didn’t you allow our objections to be heard?”” Of course there was the opportunity, but no one asked the right person at the right time about their problems. I want to make it clear that we do not suggest the sort of process in new clause 14 from our partisan point of view. We deliberately set the threshold beyond what the Liberal Democrat party has in the House. I do not think that 10 per cent. is an unreasonable figure. If 10 per cent. of the House feel strongly about something, the voice of those hon. Members should be heard, because that subject is controversial by definition. If that 10 per cent. comprise at least two parties represented in the House, it is clear that no simple mechanism on behalf of one party for political advantage is involved. I believe that if those circumstances apply, it is right that that should apply a brake to the procedure. Let us remember that it would not be a brake on the order. The order can still be translated into primary legislation and go through its normal course of action. It is not a question of a minority party preventing legislation; it is simply suggesting that the legislation must be scrutinised. There are Liberal Democrat Members, Conservative Members and Members from the minority parties who very clearly understand the merits of that case.