House of Lords (Members’ Taxation Status) Bill [HL]

Before my noble friend stands up, I should point out that the noble Lord, Lord Oakeshott, used the word "filibuster". I hope that he will explain to the House where he thinks that the filibuster has taken place. I hope that he will do so in great detail. I have not noticed any filibuster. I have been in this House for 20 years or so. I assure him that I have seen filibusters, and this is a long way from a filibuster. We have spent only an hour and a quarter on this amendment. That is not a filibuster at all. I object to that charge. I suspect that the reason why my noble friend said that the Bill was not going anywhere is that it is not supported by the Government or the Opposition. Many Peers from all around the House have spoken against it. I ask the noble Lord, Lord Oakeshott, what on earth gives him the view that it could go past this House, given that nobody, apart from a few of his noble friends, supports it.