National Insurance Contributions Bill

I thank the Minister for that reply. I think that he appreciates that my purpose in tabling the amendment was to ensure that there was some airing of the lack of entire compliance—if we leave it at that—with Cabinet Office rules for previous Treasury regulations. That is a serious issue, because government departments, the Treasury included, must make proper efforts to follow proper consultation processes, which are not just about allowing a 13-week period but also involve making sure that people know about the regulations. I make no complaint about the regulations that appeared in November or the generality of draft regulations issuing, in effect, from HMRC. I am concerned that some in the Treasury can sometimes forget what are good open processes. The purpose of the amendment was to outline that issue and, hopefully, to ensure that that will not happen again. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 1 agreed to. Clause 2 [Earnings: power to make provision in consequence of retrospective tax legislation: Northern Ireland]: [Amendments Nos. 12 to 21 not moved.] Clause 2 agreed to. Clause 3 [Class 1A contributions: power to make provision in consequence of retrospective tax legislation: Great Britain]: [Amendments Nos. 22 to 26 not moved.] On Question, whether Clause 3 shall stand part of the Bill.