Company Law Reform Bill [HL]

On behalf of all those who have taken part in this debate today, we have to say how encouraged we are by the noble and learned Lord’s response. He said he will take away the issue of the clause permitting proportionate liability. I think we understand that the Government do not wish to confine the clause to proportionate liability, but to allow other forms of agreement, and I am sure that is entirely reasonable. I am also grateful to him for agreeing to take away the issue of the timing at which the judgment will be made. I understand the Minister’s reservations, and I can see there could be arguments made for either case. It is fairly clear that it would not be right to have it at the time that the judgment is made—but at what earlier point? I accept there may well be issues to be debated about the proper timing of that. I can do no more than say how pleased we are that the Government are firmly in receive mode on this, and are prepared, I hope, to consider amendments that can be made between now and Report so we can have a proper opportunity to consider them. With that, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 335 to 337 not moved.]