Member

I agree with the noble Earl, Lord Howe, that there is quite a lot in this group. I will deal with the specific points raised, but the central issue for this House is whether we think a panel, as in the Bill currently, is better or worse than the sort of situation proposed by the noble Lord in Amendment 120. I do not intend to pick at the detail of the amendment because there is plainly a point of principle there. I also agree that, if the House were to agree to it, there would no doubt need to be drafting changes. I will first say what I understand its essence to be and then describe the panel situation.