International Development (Reporting and Transparency) Bill

I am delighted that my friend, the hon. Member for Stone, wants us to end on a note of agreement; that is very good advice indeed. The point that he makes will be pursued. As I was saying, it is important not only that Parliament be informed, but that Parliament listen. The better the information that we get, and the more that we listen, the better will be our legislation and the policies of the Departments that serve Government. For that reason, another clause that I greatly welcome, and which adds to the Bill’s content, is that dealing with coherence across Departments—an idea that I know appeals to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State.