Member

I listened to what my friend and colleague the noble and learned Lord, Lord Thomas of Cwmgiedd, said about Amendment 4 with interest and respect, as I know from his contributions at earlier stages, and in the context of the Government’s Crown Estate Bill, that he does not intervene with any agenda of trying to subvert the intentions of the Bill. I understand that safeguards may need to be built into the Bill. I would have been happier had the provisions in the amendment stipulated “no earlier than one year and no later than three years”, to minimise the uncertainty that such provision inevitably triggers. But, if the noble and learned Lord wishes to argue this further, with a votable amendment on Report, I will be content to give it further consideration. I am happy to accept Amendment 5 if the noble and learned Lord is minded to move it on Report.