Planning Bill

Six of the amendments in this group are tabled in my name. I shall start with Amendment No. 91, which stands on its own. The Minister and I have exchanged e-mails about it. It relates to Clause 12(1)(b), which states that, "““the statement sets out national policy by reference to one or more statements””." If Clause 12 stands part, I propose that rather than referring to other statements, they should be included in whole or in part in the national policy statement. To allow reference to them could lead to a lack of clarity and certainty. There would be a temptation to be just a little bit sloppy and to abbreviate a bit too much. It is hugely important that the NPS should be clear for consultation purposes and when it is being implemented by the IPC. My other amendments propose that, rather than making use of a statement issued before commencement, the relevant period is between January next year and commencement—I do not know whether the Minister can tell us when commencement is likely to be—to ensure fresh consultation, appraisal, parliamentary scrutiny and so on in line with the intentions of the Bill. Like others, I am very concerned about the prospect of a pretty elderly White Paper, the air transport White Paper 2003, being converted without national consultation, with the sustainability and climate change debate having moved on. I appreciate the assurances given by the Minister, John Healey, when this was debated in the Commons, but this is an instance where we do not need to be caught up in the ““I would not have started from here”” syndrome. Like others, I believe that it would be overhasty for Clause 12 to apply. Specifically, on Clause 12(3), which would allow the Secretary of State to take account of pre-commencement consultation, does the Minister believe that on any matter that may be the subject of an NPS there has been consultation adequate for the Bill and for the ministerial assurances that we have had, especially given the way that consultation and designation processes have developed during the course of debate on the Bill? I sum up Clause 12 as undermining the statements and assurances that the Government have made. It seems to be saying, ““PS. But we will get on with it come what may””. I am sure that is not what is in the Minister's mind, but it is hard not to read it that way, despite the good faith that has been expressed.