Earl Howe (Con)

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her response and all noble Lords for their contributions to this debate. I welcome what the Minister had to say on my Amendment 192A. It seems that the key must be for clear guidance to be issued to enforcement authorities to ensure that the heavy hand of the law is not laid inappropriately on those in our entertainment industry. From what the Minister said, I am at least reasonably confident that that will not be a consequence. I welcome the fact that the Government recognise the importance of acting on the basis of evidence. Where powers exist to designate spaces as vape-free, it is right that they are exercised proportionately and on the strength of clear and published evidence of risk. I was glad to hear the Minister’s response to the amendments in the names of my noble friends Lord Sharp and Lord Udny-Lister, especially in relation to hospitality settings. I also hope that as the Government consider how these powers may apply more widely, there will be full and proper consultation with those sectors potentially affected. Once again, I think in particular of theatres and performance venues where there may be specific artistic or practical considerations. It is important that such institutions are consulted appropriately and that we do not create unnecessary burdens or unintended consequences for them without good reason. As we conclude this Report stage, I express my appreciation to the Minister and her officials for their willingness throughout the passage of the Bill to engage with us and other noble Lords on its provisions, and for the changes and undertakings that the Minister has been prepared to make in response to concerns put forward at various stages. The Bill is a better Bill as a result. With that, I beg leave to withdraw Amendment 192A.