Company Law Reform Bill [HL]

My Lords, I support the noble Baroness, Lady Goudie, and my noble friend in what they have said; particularly my noble friend, since she has considerable experience. Indeed, my own experience of auditing goes back rather like the admiral in that admirable musical ““Evita”” who says, ““They still call me an admiral but I left the sea many years ago””. It is of vital importance that the auditor should have the freedom—I hope not the licence, but the freedom—to say what needs to be said and perhaps to give all the explanations and to put totally at rest any doubts with the company shareholders or indeed with the wider world; with others who might be interested. That is why my noble friend and indeed the noble Baroness, Lady Goudie, have addressed the matter with great clarity. I hope the Government will see their way to support it.