Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

Debate between Lord Hunt of Wirral and Lord Marland

Tuesday 18th December 2012 Grand Committee

[Lord Marland]

My Lords, the amendment is interesting; on the one hand, the noble Lord, Lord Berkeley, has made a compelling point, as indeed, on the other hand, did my noble friend Lord Hunt. Both points, although they differ, are things that we all want to safeguard against. The other point that was not made is that the amendment would not safeguard against the big company buying the small company, which we also want to safeguard against. I think that we are all talking the same language and, on that basis, if my noble friend Lord Hunt of Wirral, will allow us, I think we ought to take this issue away, roll our sleeves up a little more with some hot towels—or cold, if he prefers; some days I prefer cold, I must say—and look at it a bit further. If he is happy on that basis, I ask him to withdraw his amendment.

[Lord Hunt of Wirral]

My Lords, I am not just happy but enthusiastic in my response. There are not many Ministers who respond so positively and with such an open mind. I quickly say, “Done!”. I recognise that the noble Lord, Lord Berkeley, has an important point about protecting the consumer, and I recognise that I still have to persuade the noble Lord, Lord Mitchell. However, I am grateful to my noble friend Lord Eccles for his support. Yes, let us go away. As we all talking the same language, we do not need an interpreter; we just need action, not words. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.