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Finance Bill

The hon. Gentleman has misunderstood what we are trying to achieve. We think that establishing such a commission is a sensible way forward, given the sheer amount of taxation legislation and the fact that little of it is regularly reviewed. That does not mean that policy matters would be in the hands of that body. Its remit would be determined once it has been set up. No one would suggest that law policy should be made by the Law Commission. It makes recommendations about changes in the law and assists the Commons and another place to initiate debates. The Law Commission influences the agenda on an independent basis, and I envisage a tax law commission operating in the same way. However, there is a great distance between that proposition and the proposition that policy decisions should be made by such a commission. I understand the concerns that have been set out, but I hope that the broad proposals that I have tried to set out will lead to a debate on the matter. Whatever route is eventually taken, the new clause aims to highlight the need for a mechanism for a proper review of our tax law.