Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Bill [HL]

The Minister almost makes the case for my amendments, but draws back at the end by saying that although I have made a good point, it cannot go into legislation. The Minister accuses me of excessive regulation, but that is entirely unjust. I have been trying to ensure that there are clear definitions that respect property rights. The Government have proposed a definition that may suit a lack of clarity and gives the banks freedom to do virtually whatever they want. The Government may well have agreed that with the banks, but that is unsatisfactory in the context of protecting the rights of individuals, because we are talking about property rights. We appear to have a clash of principle in our approach to the Bill and that will have to be played out when we can seek the opinion of the House, which I regret we cannot do this afternoon. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.