Constitutional Reform (Prerogative Powers and Civil Service etc.) Bill [HL]

Like my noble friend Lord Waddington, I think that the noble Lord, Lord Lester, has done us a service in raising these matters, even if this is not the ideal vehicle by which to consider these great constitutional changes. He has been especially helpful in that he has used his legal expertise to draft the Bill and, hence, to enable us to focus on the wording—which, as we all know, is very important in these matters. Principle is one thing, but expressing it in precise legal wording is also very important. In case he has not already seen it, I shall forward a copy of the Bill and of our proceedings this evening to my right honourable friend Kenneth Clarke, who is leading discussions on behalf of my party on precisely some of these matters. My noble friend Lord Waddington has expressed very clearly the reasoning behind his amendment to change the limit to five years: the mandate point, if I may put it that way in shorthand. I have not much to add to that, except to say that I agree with it.