Scotland Bill

My Lords, such is my respect for my noble friend Lord Howe, who has been waiting patiently, that I am not planning to respond to some of the points. I am most grateful to my noble friend the Minister who has dealt with some pretty intensive questioning very well, although I have to say that he has not satisfied me. I shall just pick up on the last point he made. He presents me as saying that this has all come as a surprise to people. I have to say that I think that what this clause actually does has come as a surprise to people in this Chamber, and it will certainly come as a surprise to Members of the House of Commons because they never discussed it properly. That is what we are here for, and I think that there is more to be done. Of course there is still an opportunity in the debate on whether Clause 29 should stand part to explore these arguments further. On the basis that I am not satisfied with the response, none the less I do not propose to test the opinion of the Committee. I am pleased to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 51ZA withdrawn. Amendments 51A to 51C not moved. Clause 28 agreed. Committee to begin again not before 9.40 pm. Relevant documents: 17th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee, 17th Report from the Constitution Committee. Debate on whether Clause 29 should stand part of the Bill.