Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

The explanatory memorandum is obviously of value. However, what is essential—I think this is the point that was made by the hon. Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore)—is to see the reservations or interpretive declarations that the Minister intends to enter on ratification. Without that, the House cannot form an opinion on the value of the Bill. The Minister is not entirely right to say that this is a House matter. The House cannot require Ministers to lay anything before us, except as provided in statute. It is therefore important that if the procedure is to be put into statute, it should be laid out fully on the face of the Bill.