Statistics and Registration Service Bill

moved Amendment No. 61: 61: Clause 10, page 5, line 16, at end insert— ““( ) the Treasury,”” The noble Lord said: Amendment No. 61 corrects what can only be assumed to be an oversight by the Government. Clause 10(3) lays out those whom the board must consult in preparing or revising the code of practice. It specifies only the Scottish and Welsh Ministers and the Northern Ireland Department of Finance and Personnel. Why is the Treasury, one of the most prolific producers of official statistics,not included? This clause gives the unfortunate impression that the Treasury will be in such control of the board and have such a close hand in drawing up the code that it will not be necessary to consult it. The Minister will no doubt rush to assure the Committee that that is not the Government’s intention. Will he explain why no government departments are included in the list? I beg to move.