Animal Welfare Bill

I fully accept that. They are just not amendable once they are up for debate. The important stage is while we are getting them up for debate. Like our predecessors in some ways, the Government have tried to issue as much as possible in draft and to have a consultation prior to the final decision. I have no information on the timetable, but I assure the noble Baroness that our intention is to make sure that we do not present Parliament with a fait accompli, because that would not allow for scrutiny. The scrutiny has to lie in what you have done before you get to the point when Parliament acts as the final arbiter. I fully accept that this is a common problem with secondary legislation and that it is a bone of contention and a matter for discussion between your Lordships’ House and the other place in due course.