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Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill

I am trying to anticipate the future. One never knows. I have accepted that the noble Lord, Lord Rooker, has been extremely amendable in the way he has presented government business to us. We will press this on Report because the time is opportune. We are not likely to have another opportunity. I urge the Minister not just to accept and understand that this is unacceptable, but to come forward and say what the Government have in mind if we have to resort to what is unfortunately called plan B. I share the Minister’s exasperation that Northern Ireland political parties are still at an impasse and we have had such an extended period of suspension. It is no pleasure to remind your Lordships that when the Secretary of State, Mr Mandelson, brought about the suspension, I predicted that it would be for a very long time. Actually, it is slightly longer than I thought, even in my darkest moments. I believe that the ideal solution is for devolution to be restored and that nothing would be better than for politicians in Northern Ireland to start governing Northern Ireland again. But we have to take this opportunity to adopt a belt-and-braces approach in case that does not happen. I stand shoulder to shoulder with the Minister in hoping that the political parties in Northern Ireland will come to an agreement by 24 November and urging them to do so. Because of the procedures of this Committee, I am compelled to withdraw my amendment, but I think we will return to it. I hope that the Minister will come forward with some amendments that will allow us a positive way forward if the worst comes to the worst and there is a continuation of direct rule. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clauses 21 and 22 agreed to. Clause 23 [Single wholesale electricity market]: