text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  Planning Bill - Secretary of State to have final say - rejected
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  The majority of MPs voted against inserting a new clause near the start of the Planning Bill[1] which said:[2]
  
  :Decisions taken by the Commission as part of any function conferred on it shall be subject to confirmation [within six months] by the Secretary of State.
  
  The purpose of this amendment was to ensure that ministers "cannot duck having the final say" and would reinstate an element of democratic accountability, so to speak.[3]
  
  Without this clause, the intent of the Planning Bill is that the final say would be by an appointed Planning Commission within the brief of a National Policy Statement.
  
  * [1] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmbills/071/08071.1-7.html#j100 The Infrastructure Planning Commission], Planning Bill, 7 February 2008
  * [2] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25a.373.0  Amendment No. 339], House of Commons, 25 June 2008
  * [3] [http://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2008-06-25a.360.0#g365.0 Paul Grogan MP], House of Commons, 25 June 2008
  
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  