Fiscal Responsibility Bill

I hope my hon. Friend will not mind my not giving way to him again, because I wish to conclude and give the hon. Member for Dundee, East (Stewart Hosie) the opportunity to reply to the debate. The Government's plans do not involve consolidating too soon, and we believe that putting firm quantitative targets in legislation is the right approach in the circumstances. It is, as I have said, in line with what other countries are doing—Germany being a good example. I do not disagree with the hon. Gentleman's view that we need to have principles but, as I hope I have explained, in our code for fiscal stability and our approach, the Government are following those principles. However, we wish to build on them with quantitative targets, as we believe that that is the right thing to do in the circumstances. Given that explanation, I hope that he will be able to withdraw the amendment.