---

As amended in the Standing Committee, further considered.

Indeed, and I am eager to get on to the very important debates that are coming up. I just wanted to warm myself and the House up and get people’s minds thinking along the right lines. I wanted also to see if I could persuade the Minister to clarify his position on the regional-national balance, but he does not look as if he wishes to try to do so. That matter will remain unresolved and their lordships may have to look at it again, along with other aspects of the Bill. I am disappointed by the Minister’s response. It is not always good enough for a Minister, even one as good and decent as this one, to say, ““Trust me. I have said the words so that is what will happen.”” I hope that he will forgive me if I would prefer to see the words on the face of the Bill. I do not seem to have persuaded him on this occasion, and therefore we can move on. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.