Political Parties and Elections Bill

I am going to steer away from partisan rhetoric, because there are some fundamental points that must be considered. I have in mind, particularly, the gauntlet that the hon. Member for Cambridge (David Howarth) so thoughtfully threw down to me, regarding what might be the legitimate objective of the Government's amendments. It has caused me a degree of reflection, because what was striking in the Secretary of State's account of the reasons for the amendments was the almost complete absence of a substantive justification. Indeed, I asked him to give one, saying, "What is the rationale for linking the right to donate to the obligation to pay taxes in this country?" Hansard will show his response, but, as I recollect, he said, "Well, I have made the same argument as you have." I have not heard a more half-hearted—indeed, a more apologetic—defence of an amendment since I have been a Member, which I accept is not a very long time.