I thank the Minister for dealing with all those amendments so quickly. First, I think that the flexibility is entirely on the Government’s part. The exercise of Henry VIII powers will increase the uncertainty and the lowering of morale among public servants. It will increase litigation and encourage people to go to employment tribunals. The Minister gave no indication whatever as to the level of salary that the Government had in mind beyond which they did not think this would have an impact. I thought that was interesting. We gave her several opportunities and quoted several figures, including one from a former
Treasury Minister, not just as bait but to get a rough idea of what the Government had in mind. We have not had a single indication, so this will be railroaded through. I do not believe that that summer consultation allowed adequately for people who will be affected. The Minister herself said that hard-working, long-serving public service workers will be affected. I do not believe they knew that when that consultation document came out in the summer. In the circumstances and in view of the time, though, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.