Rating (Empty Properties) Bill

The Minister is making an interesting case. He argues that it would be wrong to include exemptions in primary legislation and that they are suitable for regulation. However, as my right hon. and hon. Friends have pointed out, sporting clubs and charitable organisations are specifically exempt from the Bill. That exemption is in both secondary legislation and on the face of the Bill, and the Government have invited support for it. We are happy to support it and we applaud its inclusion, but we must also mark the Minister down on logic because if he can include one exclusion in the measure, why cannot he include others?