Parliamentary Standards Bill

I am very grateful to the right hon. Gentleman and his Committee for their report. As he will know, there is a serious difference on that issue between independent jurists here—the Clerk of the House and his colleagues—and senior parliamentary counsel. Why would I want to pursue an unpopular clause unless it was felt to be necessary? [Hon. Members: "The Prime Minister told you to."] No, no. To be blunt, it has not featured on the Prime Minister's radar at any stage. [Hon. Members: "Oh!"] The Bill has, but—I draw a veil over the operation of the Prime Minister, but the idea that he has been worrying about clause 10 of this Bill when he has me to worry about is nonsensical.