Member

In their response to my amendment a couple of days ago, the Government said that they were content with the balance of enforcement at the present time. I think that is absolutely not the case. I can understand, perhaps, why they do not want to make enforcement compulsory as a duty on local authorities, but they should at least find a way for local authorities to be recompensed for the cost of enforcement action. I look forward to the Minister’s reply. This may not be on her side, but perhaps she would like to note, from Defra’s point of view, that that does not happen. I very much hope that the Government can see a way forward for these amendments, particularly the broader one, Amendment 338, advocated by my noble friend.