I have just two sentences, really. I think it is unfair of the noble Baroness, Lady Bennett of Manor Castle, to disregard Migration Watch’s evidence in the off-hand way that she does. If she thinks it is inaccurate, that is one thing, but as an organisation it produces figures for which there is an evidential basis. It should not be disregarded just because it raises uncomfortable truths.
I understand the ethical concerns raised by the noble Baronesses, Lady Lister and Lady Neuberger, and others. On the other side of the scale is the question of maintaining public trust and confidence. We have a system that works clearly. It is important that we should bear that in mind, so the provisions of Amendment 151 seem to have some sense. In particular, I think that my noble friend Lady Neville-Rolfe’s suggestion of a review when we have had a chance to see how it all works, watch the evidence, hear the experts, look at the problems, and see what works well or not so well is an excellent idea. I therefore hope that the Government will think about Amendment 151A as providing some bridge between the two sides of this particular argument.