Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Bill

My Lords, I am sure that I can speak for all noble Lords in thanking the Minister for the clarity with which she has explained her position, but she will not be surprised to hear me say that I do not think that the Government have gone far enough. The noble and learned Lord, Lord Mackay of Clashfern, put it clearly by saying that the one word missing from all that has been said is ““when””. My noble friend Lord Dear, who I listened to with considerable care, also put his finger on one of my reasons for not being entirely satisfied when he said, ““I think that this will happen””. When the noble Baroness reflects on what has been said in this serious and well conducted debate, reflecting as ever the gravity with which this House treats such issues, she will also reflect on the spirit and experience behind those who have spoken and where they come from. It is extremely important that this Bill, which is nearly there except for the question of ““when””, should go back to those responsible for trying to produce an answer. As the Minister explained, I realise that certain very senior political arms have been pushed nearly as far up their backs as it is possible to go, but from military experience I know that they can always go just a little further. I therefore wish to test the opinion of the House. On Question, Whether the said Motion (A1) shall be agreed to? Their Lordships divided: Contents, 227; Not-Contents, 136.