Company Law Reform Bill [HL]

I listened carefully to what the Minister said. Market abuse was extraordinarily controversial in terms of its perceived impact on the City. I am not sure that that is a good example of something that was introduced without a great deal of public consultation. I am not sure that I heard him address the point that my noble friend made about the need for consultation with those who will be involved in this. The Minister talked about the consent of the Attorney-General, but my noble friend was concerned about consultation. Certainly, the issue of market abuse was consulted on very widely. Some provision which would provide some protection and assurance to those involved would be very important.