I am glad the noble Lord agrees with me that, unfortunately, it is now a necessity.
Turning to the two instruments, first, I agree with virtually everybody who has spoken—including my noble friends Lord Berkeley and Lord Snape, and the
noble Baroness, Lady Randerson—that the ongoing exchange of information should be a long-term aspiration, even in the silliest position we might find ourselves in. Can the Government come out and say that it will be a long-term aspiration in the rail industry? Exchange of information in the transport sector is one of the key factors necessary to achieve the levels of safety we have come to expect.
12.15 pm
I went through the Explanatory Memorandum in some detail. On the first SI, I have a detailed question that I am quite happy to receive a letter on. In paragraph 7.7, it says that:
“The instrument intentionally does not make the necessary consequential amendments”,
to a number of regulations, which it then goes on to describe. Could the Minister explain why the instrument does not make the consequential amendments? When will they be made, and by whom?
There are other references, but the area I would like the Minister to expand on in some detail is the whole situation of the Channel Tunnel. How will it be legal for UK drivers to drive through the tunnel and then on to Brussels, Paris and, I hope, other destinations in Europe, as my noble friend Lord Berkeley pointed out? Is that flexibility already allowed for through other treaties, or will it require further bilateral agreements?