Government of Wales Bill

I merely wish to press amendments Nos. 64 and 66—I do not wish to press the remaining amendments any further. I do not wish to wreck the existing provisions, but provide clarity and certainty, which have not been afforded by the way in which the Bill has been drafted. May I hasten to comfort the hon. Gentleman? I certainly do not wish to remove clauses 60 and 70. In fact, the original proposal to delete those clauses was designed to enable Committee members to discuss the subject. We were not given the time to hold such a discussion in Committee so, unfortunately, we must do so on Report. The insertion of the words ““within their powers”” in clause 60 and the addition of the word ““reasonable”” to clause 70 do not wreck the existing provisions. I have gone a long way towards accepting the Minister’s explanation, and the amendments have the best interests of the Welsh people and Wales at heart. However, they provide a safeguard so that Ministers act within their powers. They offer, too, a test of reasonableness on the financial assistance that Ministers may, or may not, give. I accept the Minister’s explanation about the Counsel General, but, again, a test of reasonableness would not go amiss. I am rather sad that the Minister could not accept those small amendments, but I should not be surprised as there has been very little give and take at the Dispatch Box during the passage of the Bill. It is a shame, however, as consensus could easily have been achieved on many of these issues. With a heavy heart, I seek the leave of the House to press amendments Nos. 64 and 66 to a vote, and I urge my hon. Friends to join me in the Lobby. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.