European Union Bill

As long as it subscribed to the classical arrangements that were provided for when we all actually spoke Latin properly, the answer would be yes. There is obviously—we all know it in this Committee, and so do those outside this place, because it has been well publicised—a disagreement between the Government, the European Scrutiny Committee, of which I have the honour to be the elected Chairman, and me personally, regarding the meaning, nature and effect of clause 18. The disagreement falls into several categories, all of which can be categorised as matters of national interest. That is why I trust that Members of Parliament from all parts of the Committee will listen carefully to the arguments and vote according to these, and not according to any instructions that have been issued by the Whips.