Powers of Entry etc. Bill [HL]

I am rather shocked by what has been said. I thought it had been made perfectly clear that the Bill was a means of securing discussion on the whole issue and making progress towards a new regime. It was never expected or intended that the Bill, which is clearly imperfect in its present form, would reach the statute book. I understood that the co-operation that the Home Office had given to my noble friend was such that there would not be the old fashioned, constipated, "not invented here" Home Office reaction of, "Let’s chuck the whole thing out. What do they mean by daring to raise these matters? These are our affairs". It is awful that, having had such amicable conduct over the Bill so far, there are certain things that the Minister read out—I am sure he did not write them—which reflected that old fashioned Home Office view. It would be very unconstructive if my noble friend were to press his amendment to a vote. The suggestion of the noble Baroness on the Liberal Democrat Front Bench is probably the right answer; a vote would ensure that the House was counted out. I hope the Minister will reconsider, as the noble Baroness has asked.