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Companies Bill [Lords]

That indicates some of the difficulties that the Conservative party has on this issue. Frankly, to regard all 650 duties—I take the hon. Gentleman’s word for the fact that there are 650—as of equal weight and value is not credible and does not stand up to scrutiny. Looking after one’s employees, and having regard to the local community and the environment are perfectly reasonable issues to give higher priority to. We know that the right hon. Member for Witney adopts a kindly, sunny and progressive stance on these matters. The Conservative party went to the polls last May on the ticket, ““Go green, vote blue,”” but when it comes to delivery and to contributing to company law through this important Bill, we have seen confusion, weakness and another policy vacuum. Finally, I know that my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and the Regions takes a genuine, sympathetic and detailed interest in these matters. With clause 173, welcome progress is being made. In Committee, she did not accept my argument that ““having regard to”” is just too passive and that we should take the opportunity, as suggested by new clause 4, to protect responsible directors and to encourage a proactive, pro-business approach within the ambit of enlightened shareholder value by asking them to ““endeavour”” to do their best. I look forward to her response. We are not worlds apart, but what she says on the record is really important.