Serious Crime Bill [HL]

Of course I accept that the Government have been and still are considering this matter. My complaint is that they have now been considering it for 10 years and still have not come to a decision. At this late hour, and I certainly have no intention of playing out the time until 10 o’clock, all I want to do is to congratulate the Minister on her reply and to thank her for it. As the noble Lord, Lord Thomas, has said, it was the fullest reply we have yet had. I am afraid to say that I did not find it convincing. She said that there was passion on my side, but I thought I was advancing an argument in the cold light of reason. It seems to me that the passion was more on her side than on mine. Whatever it may be, I hope she will not be disappointed if I bring the matter back yet again. On that basis, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.