Government of Wales Bill

I do not doubt the Minister’s sincerity, but his responses to the queries raised by other hon. Members have made it clear that he cannot give us the assurances that he has been asked for. As the explanatory notes make clear, the nature of the clause is such that it offers the opportunity simply to reaffirm things that have already been done. That is unsatisfactory. I therefore ask the Minister to reflect on the clause and the genuine concerns that have been expressed by hon. Members from a number of parties. I shall not press the amendment to a Division, but I ask him to understand the seriousness with which we regard the clause and its potential, particularly in changed political circumstances, to cause severe difficulty and to undermine the devolution settlement in Wales. On the understanding that the Minister regards that as a serious and sincerely made point, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.