London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games Bill

I welcome the powerful support from the noble Lords, Lord Glentoran and Lord Brooke, and am grateful, in particular, for the elucidation of the committee’s statement on the subject in its December report. I would never dream of accusing the Minister of a lack of goodwill. I am sure that enormous goodwill is flowing backwards and forwards as we speak. We know that the advertising industry has had meetings with LOGOC and the DCMS and that a lot of consultation has begun. But there is an issue of principle. The Minister talked about the list of people who were, and are, being consulted. In practical terms, that may well be the case. Indeed, the Minister said that this was the only way to achieve an effective position, and I accept that. But all I hear from the Minister—especially in the light of the fact that a dreaded list of people to be consulted appears in subsection (3)—is that he and the department do not want to change the Bill. It would seem perfectly logical, acceptable and right and would create a great deal of further goodwill, if that were possible, to add another subsection stating that the advertising industry should also be consulted. In all logic, that is where it should appear. I do not understand, other than that the Government do not wish to change the Bill, why it does not appear there. I shall withdraw the amendment but perhaps the Government could demonstrate their goodwill by acceding to my future amendments. That might be the best way of making up in the circumstances. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 62 not moved.] Clause 20 agreed to. Clauses 21 and 22 agreed to. Clause 23 [Role of Olympic Delivery Authority]: [Amendments Nos. 63 and 64 not moved.] Clause 23 agreed to. Clauses 24 to 32 agreed to. [Amendment No. 65 not moved.] Schedule 3 agreed to. Clause 33 agreed to.