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Finance Bill

My Lords, I join those who have welcomed the contribution made to this debate in the maiden speech of my noble friend Lord Hamilton of Epsom. He may just remember that, almost exactly 27 years ago, I had the privilege of speaking at one of the meetings in his first election campaign to succeed my noble and learned friend Lord Rawlinson of Ewell. We welcome him in his new role here. I am also glad that he has already begun to appreciate the great difference between this House and the other place. One of the reasons for the strength of this House, the independence of the contributions which we all make, is that there is absolutely no need to ingratiate oneself with anyone. One need not ingratiate oneself with one’s whip.