Government of Wales Bill

I feel that I am almost negotiating with the Conservatives on this issue. If the hon. Gentleman is saying that he is so moved by my argument that he accepts the case for a structured revisiting of the referendum process on a limited time scale, that is progress. [Interruption.] The hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs. Gillan) says that I did not listen to what she said earlier, but let me remind her of what I said. I said that we Liberal Democrats are not keen on holding a referendum at all, so for us, including this element in the Bill is otiose. I am suggesting to those who seek a referendum that it is inappropriate to hold one just once, and then to prevent one from being held ever again. As I said, I look forward to hearing what the Government have to say about this issue. But I counsel those who seek to discuss the question of referendums, and other elements of such Bills, that it is vital that we learn lessons from other aspects of the United Kingdom devolution programme. In order to remain consistent, one must make sure that one does not introduce inconsistencies through amendments.