Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill [HL]

My Lords, the noble Baroness, Lady Miller of Chilthorne Domer, when speaking to the two amendments, asked what was the Government’s intention. Amendment No. 7, in my name, would ensure that the council exercised its functions, including the core functions in Clauses 7 to 9, in a manner that it considers is best calculated to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. We think that our amendment strengthens the clause. The term ““functions”” is used, as it is consistent with the drafting in the rest of the Bill and covers powers and duties. The noble Baroness, Lady Byford, asked about the functions of the NCC. The council is subject to challenge if its functions are not carried out. My advice is that the council is also accountable through its annual report. I will write further to the noble Baroness to clarify further the point. On Question, amendment, agreed to. [Amendment No. 8 not moved.] Clause 6 [Annual report]: