Counter-Terrorism Bill

I thank all those who have spoken in this debate. There are some very important points of principle here, and I am glad that the House will have the opportunity to discuss them further when the order is debated. Noble Lords who are much more expert than me—my noble friend Lord Goodhart, the noble Lords, Lord Kingsland and Lord Elystan-Morgan—have all spoken about the courts’ interpretation of this provision. That is one angle to be debated when we debate the order. Of course, there is also quite a large issue about the economic angle. There will no doubt be some ripples throughout the financial world as a result of this situation, and it would be very unfortunate if there was not total confidence that our laws—and the interpretation of them—were firm. A knock-on consequence might easily be that other countries and Governments would choose not to leave their assets here, with a provision that could be open to wide interpretation. There is an awful lot more to debate here, but in the mean time I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 74 agreed to. Clause 75 [Initial exercise of powers by Lord Chancellor]: [Amendment No. 105NA not moved.] Clause 75 agreed to. Clause 76 [Interpretation of Part 5]: