UK Parliament / Open data

Groceries Code Adjudicator Bill [HL]

My Lords, we are off to a marvellous start. This is a great level to start at—whether we are doing something in plain English or not. I was in on the beginning of the Plain English Campaign, as, I think, was the Office

of Fair Trading and the noble Lord, Lord Borrie. I was rather hoping we would get a crystal award for how we have written this Bill in plain English, but I can see I am going to have to work very hard during this Committee stage to reassure everyone that we are trying to be as clear as possible.

I fully appreciate the sentiment behind this amendment. The Government have committed to writing the Bill in plain English, and we strive to apply this principle to all communication as the Bill goes forward. However, in this case the amendment would change the meaning of the clause. “There will be” is a prediction, whereas “There is to be” indicates that the Bill establishes the Groceries Code Adjudicator. I hope that that clarifies the point for the noble Lord.

I will answer the second question when we come to the appropriate amendment, if that is okay. I thank the noble Earl for giving me notice.

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
738 cc68-9GC 
Session
2012-13
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
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