Company Law Reform Bill [HL]

I am sure the Committee is grateful to the Minister for that very thorough explanation. It is important to get that on the record. I am also grateful to the Minister for indicating where the specific areas for replacement proposals will apply, which will alert people outside the Committee to the areas in which they should take an interest. The Government have reached the right conclusion. As the Minister said, we share the view that this is not a constitutional reform Bill, it is a company law reform Bill. Introducing some new procedure, particularly if it is not amendable—which is not clear from the way it is laid out; indeed, that was probably not within the Government’s power if it was in the House authorities’ power to sort out—would be very unfortunate if it had far-reaching proposals, albeit well consulted on, that were not capable of amendment were people to have further thoughts about it once it had been introduced. The Government have reached the right conclusion here. We look forward to receiving the replacement clauses as soon as possible so that we can reflect on them. That is important, given the impact of Easter and people being away. We need to make sure that everyone is happy with them. I am grateful to the Minister and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. A225F to A225K not moved.] Clause 774 negatived. Clause 775 [Definition of ““company”” and related expressions]: [Amendments Nos. A225L to A225P not moved.] Clause 775 negatived. Clause 776 [No power to impose taxation]: [Amendments Nos. A225Q and A225R not moved.] Clause 776 negatived. Clause 777 [Restrictions on penalties for criminal offences]: [Amendments Nos. A225S to A225W not moved.] Clause 777 negatived. Clause 778 [Restrictions on provisions for forcible entry etc.]: [Amendments Nos. A225X to A225Z not moved.] Clause 778 negatived. Clause 779 [Restrictions on powers to legislate]: [Amendments Nos. A225AA to A225AC not moved.] Clause 779 negatived. Clause 780 [Restriction on exercise of powers in relation to Scotland]: [Amendment No. A225AD not moved.] Clause 780 negatived. Clause 781 [Restrictions on delegation of legislative functions]: [Amendments Nos. A225AE and A225AF not moved.] Clause 781 negatived. Clause 782 [No power to make provision with retrospective effect]: [Amendment No. A225AG not moved.] Clause 782 negatived. Clause 783 [Procedure for making orders]: [Amendments Nos. A225AGA and A225AGB not moved.] Clause 783 negatived. Clause 784 [Consultation]: [Amendments Nos. A225AH and A225AI not moved.] Clause 784 negatived. Clause 785 [Document to be laid before Parliament]: [Amendments Nos. A225AJ to A225AO not moved.] Clause 785 negatived. Clause 786 [Reasons for proposed order]: [Amendments Nos. A225AP to A225AR not moved.] Clause 786 negatived. Clause 787 negatived. Clause 788 [Parliamentary consideration of proposals]: [Amendments Nos. A225AS and A225AT not moved.] Clause 788 negatived. [Amendment No. A225AU not moved.] Clause 789 [Application of this Chapter]: