Member

I start with the inquiry request in Amendment 247B from the noble Baroness, Lady Maclean of Redditch. This seeks to set in statute a timetable for the start of the inquiry. We want to start the inquiry in a timely fashion. Our immediate priority is to appoint a chair and, in doing so, to ensure that we then consult the chair on the terms of reference. The noble Baroness, Lady Casey, supports the Government. The noble Baroness, Lady Maclean, knows that this Bill will not complete its passage through this House and receive—if it does—Royal Assent until probably the very late part of the early part of next year. Her Amendment 247B says three months after Royal Assent, which could well be mid-summer next year. I believe and hope that we can establish the things that she wishes in that timescale.