Lord Palmer of Childs Hill (LD)

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her customary comprehensive reply, but I do think the Government have to think outside the box. The idea that “It’s not me, guv” is not really good enough. Yes, it is long and complex, but an elegant redress could be affordable, and virtually cost-neutral, for the Government. Precedence exists and a solution to right what I still think is a wrong must be explored by the Government. Let us not forget that those employees were promised protection by the Government and, despite assurances, I do not think they have got it. Instead, they have found that government protection was worse than no protection at all. I had hoped that the Government today could provide sufficient assurances to the victims of what I see as an injustice, and specifically answer whether they are planning to right the wrongs outlined in the NAO and PAC reports. I have not received those assurances. I hope, trying to further this in a positive manner, that the Minister might meet with me and representatives of AEAT, who are more on the ball than I am on this subject, to discuss the issue. I see this as quite probably coming back on Report. It is not going to die here today. On that basis, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.