Statistics and Registration Service Bill

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Moser, for taking part in this debate. I hear what the Minister said; it is a pity that he has again reiterated the formula that access is via the Cabinet Secretary and not direct to the Prime Minister. Towards the end of his remarks, he pointed to the ability of the board to comment publicly. We are starting to think that about the only weapon in the board’s armoury against any forces of evil that still stalk Whitehall will be their ability to report publicly. We hope that they will use that judiciously. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 27 [National Statistician: advisory functions]: