Member

The definition of “public interest” in the Bill is wider still, because the three examples given in subsection (2)(a) to (c) are just that—examples. The Bill allows the Secretary of State to nationalise on the basis of any other definition of the public interest that he may choose, undefined in the Bill. I therefore support amendment 14, tabled by my hon. Friend, which would limit the definition of the public interest to the three examples listed in the clause. However, the Government would be wise to think again and tighten the language even within that.