Member

I have set out the Government’s case. To sum up, we remain of the view that these targeted reforms are necessary to maintain public confidence in the council and its guidelines. We do, however—I suppose noble Lords knew that I was coming to a “however”—recognise that several concerns have been raised about the circumstances under which the business plan or guidelines might not be approved. I have watched the Lady Chief Justice’s evidence to the Justice Committee and read the transcript of it with great care. I have also read the report of the Constitution Committee on the Bill; I am grateful for its clear comments and reflections. Against this backdrop and bearing in mind the amendments put forward by the noble and learned Lords, which have helped to clarify the Government’s thinking, I and the Minister would be happy to engage further on this with noble Lords ahead of Report.