---

Fundamental Rights Agency (EUC Report)

My Lords, as the noble Lord, Lord Norton, observed, the central task of the EU Committee and its sub-committees is to scrutinise and where appropriate criticise proposed European legislation. Our reports aim to focus the discussion and on occasion perhaps influence the outcome of these proposals. Often our views and criticisms coincide with those of the Government, but sometimes they do not. Today’s debate perhaps inevitably has focused largely on issues where there are differences between us, but that surely is no bad thing. I hope it will clarify everyone’s thinking on the important questions still remaining and that that will benefit the evolution of both these proposals, which have yet to come to fruition. I have to say that it is tempting to respond in detail to some of the points raised in your Lordships’ speeches, but I know it is a temptation to be resisted or we shall be here all night. I thank all noble Lords for their contribution to this debate, and by no means least the noble Baroness who has spoken on behalf of the Government, who with characteristic helpfulness sought to address so many of the questions raised. I, too, recall with pleasure the extended evidence session that we had with her. Finally, for me this has been a most interesting occasion. As the House knows, Law Lords are an endangered species shortly to become extinct. I count myself fortunate to have been permitted to present one of the reports to the House this evening. On Question, Motion agreed to.