Manchester City Council Bill [Lords](By Order)

My hon. Friend makes a valid point that has been repeated again and again. In Newcastle, such legislation was brought in successfully, and a lot of the pedlars moved across to Gateshead. The first question is: why are those pedlars who wanted to operate in Newcastle not applying to be legitimate? Why are they not choosing to do things above board? I do not wish to disparage my hon. Friend's constituency but, as in the case of Bournemouth, there has to be a threshold of a thoroughfare of people—either residents or tourists. I am sure that there are many visitors to his area. But there are some areas—I mentioned Purbeck as an example—where such legislation would not be required. My hon. Friend the Member for Cotswold (Mr. Clifton-Brown) made it clear: any new legislation should empower rather than enforce councils to operate revised pedlar provisions. Time is running short, so I shall end by simply saying that the Government have taken a small step in the right direction. I hope that the Minister, and other Members, will listen to those whose voices we are hearing throughout the United Kingdom. There is, I believe, a consensus in the House and the nation in favour of change. I certainly believe that we need to give councils the power—but not necessarily the duty—to make decisions locally. I welcome the Government's announcement, because I do not support the status quo. This is unfinished business, and if it is not finished today, I hope that it will be in 24 months' time if not earlier, after a general election.