Member

The Minister, in his response to the noble Baroness, Lady Drake, of 24 January, defended these Henry VIII powers on the grounds of expediency: ensuring that the regime can be adjusted, if necessary, and recalibrated so as to ensure that it continues to strike the correct balance. But, if that were a sufficient explanation for this Henry VIII power, it could justify a Henry VIII power in almost any circumstance. “Parliament has struck a balance in this Bill after the most careful consultation”, the Government seem to be saying, “but we reserve the right to change it whenever we like”.