Serious Crime Bill [HL]

My Lords, first, I thank the Minister for organising the meeting last Monday that was attended by me and a number of other colleagues in the House. It was an extremely useful opportunity to listen to what the chairman and chief executive ofthe Serious Organised Crime Agency had to say. I recognise also that in the later stages of the Billthe Government have moved considerably towards meeting the serious objections voiced in Committee. I talked then about the resources for that organisation. It is in its early inchoate stages and I would welcome hearing from the Minister exactly what resources the Government propose. On the amendment standing in my name and in the names of my noble friends Lord Dholakia and Lord Thomas, I look forward to hearing a compelling response from the Minister to the cogent points that have been made by my noble friend Lord Dholakia, the noble and learned Lord, Lord Lloyd, and my noble friend Lord Thomas of Gresford. They are difficult points and, if the Bill is to go through—it looks like it will go through without our amendments, given what the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, has said—let us hope that it is not a busted flush. Perhaps we should hope that it will be a busted flush, but let us hear what the Minister has to say.