Public Bodies Bill [HL]

Lord Brougham and Vaux Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd March 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Whitty]

My Lords, the Minister was not replying to the debate. The amendment was moved by my noble friend Lord Kennedy. I put my name to it, as did the noble Lord, Lord Taylor, so I think I am in order.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Brougham and Vaux)]

I remind the noble Lord that the Companion says:

“Only the mover of an amendment … speaks after the minister … except for short questions … or where the minister speaks early to assist the House”.

The noble Lord should have spoken before the Minister. He is out of order, I am afraid.

[Lord Kennedy of Southwark]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her response to my amendment. As I have said on several occasions, whatever happens we need to ensure that criminality does not return to the industry and that the public are able to remain confident that the people employed in the industry are fit and proper. The overwhelming majority of the industry acts responsibly and supports retention of the SIA. If the Government bring forward a Bill for consideration, it will be important to give it detailed line-by-line scrutiny. In particular, I concur with the comments of my noble friends Lady Royall and Lord Whitty.