Member

The noble Baroness, Lady Coffey, then said that it is vital that we scrutinise this important Bill. Other noble Lords have made the same point. Yes, that is what we have been doing, but we have to do so with proportionality. We have to ensure that we get through the business so we can vote on the issues which divide us. I have to say to the noble Baroness that there were many occasions during Committee when I was not convinced that she had any wish to see this Bill complete its scrutiny, so that we could reach conclusions and vote on what divides us. The length and repetition of the speeches made by many opponents of the Bill have used up the time available. The same points were made again and again, and that is why this House has been denied the opportunity to move to Report and vote.