Member

Amendment 34 has also been discussed by the House before. I hope I can provide further reassurance about the commencement and implementation period. I am in danger of repeating myself, but with a focus on this amendment. I confirm that there will be an implementation period of 24 months after Royal Assent, prior to commencement. The implementation period is there because we want to make sure that the SIA is set up and ready to enforce the requirements of the Bill at commencement. It also allows time for those in scope to prepare ahead of the requirements. Therefore, it would be unnecessary to put the minimum period in the amendment in the Bill because, again, I am trying to ensure that we give plenty of time to undertake activity on implementation, guidance, scope and making it fit for purpose. Ministers and officials are extremely engaged in making sure that the SIA is in the right place when the Bill goes live, which is effectively after Royal Assent and the implementation and preparation period.