Statistics and Registration Service Bill

I am grateful to the noble Baroness for her comments on Clause 37. It is obvious that I want to see Clause 37 survive in the Bill, this evening, at least, but I heard her question about further illustrations. We think that this is an important provision and that the National Archives should have access to the information and be able to release it to researchers. However, the noble Baroness said that she thinks that it could be specifically targeted, and I will look at that suggestion. It alone is a justification for recognising that the constraints that would otherwise obtain should be removed. That is why the clause is expressed in the way that it is. We think that there will be other examples apart from the National Archives, although it is the most graphic and clearest one. The noble Baroness will recognise the value of that information being released. She is not contending that, but she is maintaining that it could be done in a rather more specific way. I will look at that matter, but in drafting this clause, we had that one clear illustration in mind. The noble Baroness will recognise that something had to be done in order to preserve that opportunity for the National Archives, and Clause 37 represents that. I recognise the constructive way in which she has approached this issue, and I shall look at it further and come back on Report. Clause 37 agreed to. Clause 38 [Disclosure of information to service providers]: