---

Equality Bill [HL]

My Lords, I listened very carefully to the Minister with real regret—not just mild regret, but real, passionate regret—because I feel that the Government are making a great mistake. Having said that, I would like to thank my noble friend Lady Carnegy and my noble and learned friend Lord Lyell for the support that they gave to my amendment. But the hour is late and, despite the fact that I said I would definitely divide the House, the truth is that the Government are against me, the Liberals will not vote on my amendment at all, and if I delay the House even longer, I understand from the noble Lord, Lord Lester, that he would have great difficulty in keeping his troops for the next amendment. I make those points because I feel very strongly about this issue. On the other hand, with those two words left there, I cannot possibly accept that Clause 45 should stay in the Bill. Under those circumstances I am pleased to agree with what the noble Lord has said to me and I beg leave to withdraw my amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.