Statistics and Registration Service Bill

I am fascinated by the Minister’s response. I am very pleased that he agrees with the substance of the amendment but I do not follow his logic as to why, if he agrees with it, he cannot just accept it. This is not a formal, structural amendment; it makes a general point about the role of the National Statistician as providing professional leadership. If we were saying that each head of statistics in each department should report to the National Statistician in various ways or that they should have different grades or anything, I would have some sympathy with the Minister, but the amendment points out a general, important principle. I do not intend to press the amendment tonight, but I will definitely give further thought to what the Minister has said and may come back to it. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 148 and 149 not moved.] Clause 28 agreed to. Clause 29 [National Statistician: executive functions]: [Amendment No. 150 not moved.]