Member

Sadly, the original designation in Section 157 of the 1985 Act, as implemented, excluded more than 60% of parishes with a population of fewer than 3,000. That was because the relevant section required local authorities to apply to the Secretary of State, and most local authorities, in their ignorance, failed to do so. This time, let us get the definition clear and in the Bill so that everyone understands where they are—government, local authorities and, above all, tenants. As I said, the Minister’s normal starting position is to repel all amendments, hence my sinking feeling. So can I put in a plea that if this amendment is not acceptable to her and her Government in this form, we can get around a table to discuss a way forward that gives rural local authorities and their tenants something a bit clearer and more understandable than we currently have in the Bill?