Regulatory Reform (Execution of Deeds and Documents) Order 2005

My Lords, I am most grateful for those two contributions. I will try to answer the questions that I was asked. The noble Lord, Lord Henley, asked whether other and further proposals would come from the department for reform by regulatory reform order. I am pleased to inform the House that the department is promoting better regulation, particularly through the work of the Law Commission, and is looking for opportunities to deliver proposals by regulatory reform order. The department has tried to promote other Law Commission reports through regulatory reform orders but was prevented by the limits on the powers in the Regulatory Reform Act 2001. The noble Lord, Lord   Henley, suggested that it would be more appropriate for the Lord Chancellor to be standing here rather than me. That is fine. The message will be passed on. One of the problems that I have in understanding this order is that, having been in business all of my life and having signed many deeds and other documents during many years of working practice, I have been trying to relate the contents of this order to the actions that I took, which I always imagined to be correct. We note and take on board the point about consolidation. If I have anything further to say on that, I will write to noble Lords. That point is made not only on these matters, but also on many other matters that come before your Lordships’ House. The noble Lord, Lord Goodhart, welcomed the order and drew attention to the seven-year delay in its appearance. I had not realised that, but there we are. I am grateful for the discussion and I thank both noble Lords. On Question, Motion agreed to.