Member

The Government have opted for guidance rather than binding regulation, meaning that standards can be changed without further parliamentary scrutiny. There is also no requirement for ministerial authorisation when the most intrusive powers are exercised, something that 270 noble Lords agreed was a necessary safeguard, so oversight will now be largely retrospective rather than preventive. While we will not oppose the Government’s position, we support it with reservation. Much now depends on the quality and transparency of the guidance that will follow, which we will scrutinise closely when it comes before this House. I am grateful that the noble Baroness, Lady Anderson, has agreed that the initial statutory guidance will be subject to a take-note debate in Grand Committee after it is laid in Parliament. I very much look forward to our further debates on the subject.