Parliamentary Standards Bill

Clarity is of the essence whenever offences are being discussed. A person must know whether or not what they are doing is against the law. Like the noble and learned Lord, Lord Mackay, I do not think that standards have slipped so far that people do not know when they are being dishonest. I hear what my noble friend says, but I think that it is extremely important that we accept this clause today. It is an integral and important part of the Bill. I agree that perhaps more clarity is needed but I am not sure that such clarity is needed in the Bill; perhaps it should be given in guidance. I hear what the noble and learned Lord and others have said about what should appear on claim forms. I am not sure that that would be the right way forward; I would need to reflect on that, but perhaps some guidance is needed. I can certainly come back to noble Lords on Report with a more informed view about the need for guidance.