Health Bill

When the Minister does that, could she furnish us with an example of what the Government are trying to do and what the benefits would be? I understand the point about not seeking to move a whole load of individual order-making powers; I can see the benefit of that. But I do not understand the need for the timing of the regulation-making powers coming into force to be changed if draft regulations are available. That is what usually happens in legislation, and people who have concerns with the regulations can look at them. Indeed, they prepare their business, whatever it is, in the light of what they know to be coming. It would be helpful if the Minister can explain what the practical effect would be and why it would be preferable to the normal route. I am saying that in an effort to be helpful. As the Minister knows, we support Part 1 of the Bill. We also know that many businesses, especially in the entertainment and hospitality industry, are already going smoke-free, without any regulations in force. Increasingly we have the practices in Scotland and Ireland to draw on. One of the Scottish newspapers a few months ago had an interesting and funny tale in its diary section of its English headquarters wishing to foist on it an order for several thousand ashtrays for the pubs. It had to be pointed out that, unless the ashtrays were to be exhibited as works of art, they would not be needed. The practice is already happening, and businesses throughout the UK are beginning to understand what the provisions mean. Given the controversy that the matter has sparked—and those of us who have been here for the duration of the Committee stage understand that only too well—when the Minister speaks on this matter at a later stage could she make absolutely clear why such exceptional treatment of regulatory powers would be necessary?