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Government of Wales Bill

I am aware of the distinction between Private Members’ Bills and private Bills; but it is always reassuring to be reminded that I am still aware of that distinction. To me, at any rate, the drafting of Clause 97(3)(c) does not make that distinction clear, but I am happy to have had it made and am correspondingly reassured. I am most grateful to the Minister for his response to the amendments. I shall think very carefully about what he said. We all accept that circumstances of emergency will occur from time to time. It is vital not to leave out any stage but, at the same time, there should be a provision, or at least a constitutional convention, that allows the time distances between each stage to be collapsed in a recognised emergency. I agree that it is extremely difficult to define an emergency. It would be not only foolhardy but futile to try to furnish the legislation with such a definition. I am sure that everybody in the Welsh Assembly, like everybody in your Lordships’ House and another place, is replete with common sense and will recognise an emergency when they see it. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 70 to 73 not moved.] Clause 97 agreed to. Clauses 98 to 100 agreed to. Clause 101 [Approval of proposed Assembly Measures]: [Amendments Nos. 74 to 77 not moved.] Clause 101 agreed to. Clause 102 [Referendum about commencement of Assembly Act provisions]: