Parliamentary Standards Bill

The noble Baroness’s defence of her approach to IPSA membership, the commissioner and so on, makes it very clear that hers is not a sunset clause as most of us would understand it but, as my noble friend said, a renewal clause. Indeed, she referred to the definitions. With primary legislation, there is the opportunity for both Houses to consider the detail, to reflect on arguments, and to deal with fairly nuanced points. My noble friend used the term "perfunctory" in referring to a statutory instrument. If there is primary legislation and will on all sides to renew and move forward quickly, it is open to both Houses to deal with the primary legislation quickly, and with little fuss. Conversely, with a statutory instrument, it is not possible to take the time that would be needed to have a debate, come back to it and tweak it. As for the noble Baroness’s defence of the opportunity for an abrupt and quick way of dealing with the matter—knee jerk, was the term that I wrote down when I first saw this provision, I think it would be a pity. The sunset clause that would require primary legislation for extension or renewal, whatever one likes to call it, gives both Houses the opportunity to deal with a very serious matter in a serious and reflective manner.