European Union Bill

I was getting to that. Whoever said that EU legislation was dull and boring should see the enthusiasm of Members of this House to make sure that we examine every sentence. I was going to refer to the comments of the noble Baroness, Lady Williams, on ““or otherwise support””, and I shall do so now. Clause 7(3) states: "““A Minister of the Crown may not vote in favour of or otherwise support””." However, that has to be read in the context of the following words: "““a decision to which this subsection applies unless the draft decision is approved by Act of Parliament””." My interpretation of the words, "““or otherwise support a decision””," is a slightly more legalistic one. Will the Minister clarify that point? I see ““or otherwise support”” as meaning to give assent to ““a decision””—meaning a law. In other words, that is a decision as seen in the category of regulations, directives and decisions—in this case, a decision taking immediate effect. That is why supporting —in other words, giving assent to—the making of a law would not be possible, but the Minister would have to come back with a draft decision, and subsequently go back and support it. This might be a rather legalistic view of the issue, but I should be grateful if the Minister can confirm whether that is right. If it is, the words are entirely sensible.