Parliamentary Standards Bill

I made it clear when I started that this is not a matter of great moment and I have tabled the amendments as suggestions rather than anything else. Bills should be well written, and this one has not been written as well as it might have been if the parliamentary draftsmen had been given more time. I do not think that the explanation given by the Minister, to the effect that where there are two references it is done in one way and where there are four it is done in another, carries much weight. Nevertheless, this is not a matter I wish to pursue further, but it is an illustration of the difficulties encountered not only by us but by the parliamentary draftsmen and everyone else when trying to pass legislation in a tearing hurry. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 79A withdrawn. Clause 9 agreed.