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Charities Bill [HL]

My Lords, there is no need for the Minister to apologise. The worst people are those with thick moustaches and heavy beards—you cannot see their lips and so what they are saying. I am glad to say that the noble Lord, Lord Ahmed, has his moustache and beard neatly trimmed, so that, if he were to take part in the debate, I could see what he is saying, but not everyone is so considerate. I still think the provision rather odd and very dubious in many respects because, as would occur under the scheme as it stands, if I needed to be investigated and were to employ the investigator on my terms to investigate me and my behaviour, no one else would take the report with anything other than a pinch of salt. I still feel that, with all due respect to the current holder of the office—who I am certain is perfectly honourable—in future, someone may be incapable of doing the job properly. That is why I want there to be someone who is seen to be totally independent. Having said that, I shall withdraw the amendment. I am sure that someone else will take it up in another place. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.