Work and Families Bill

No, the problem is that Labour Members are very worried about the rising popularity of the Conservative party, but I appreciate that we cannot debate that matter within the terms of new clause 3. So I will take that no further, but I notice that the hon. Gentleman loyally echoes the words of the Prime Minister earlier today. If political parties could not review their polices in light of a changing world and a changing society, what is the point of political parties and what is the point of Parliament as a place to propose ideas and to have debates and arguments? That is what Parliament is all about. I am pleased to say that that is what we are doing effectively this afternoon, and the Minister has done it so effectively that he has persuaded me: I am happy with his assurances that he will return to the House and that we will have such an opportunity in future. The hon. Member for Angus (Mr. Weir) is right to say that exactly one year is perhaps too soon. Perhaps we need rather more flexibility in the way in which the Government come back to the House to review their legislation. However, I can assure the House that, if the Minister does not return to the House to report on a review of the way in which the legislation is working, the Opposition will ensure that the matter is debated in a year or so, thus ensuring that the House has the opportunity to consider not just the effectiveness of regulations that we hope to pass today, but their effect, as the hon. Member for Angus rightly says—there is no better education than that of a Scottish lawyer—so I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.