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Companies Bill [Lords]

We have had an instructive debate on some important matters, and I am pleased that some finely balanced judgments have been placed on record. I listened carefully to the carefully chosen words of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Industry and the Regions. All that I want to see is that the secondary duties in clause 173 are taken seriously and cannot lightly be dismissed. I think that she has gone as far as she reasonably can today. Progress is being made, in my judgment, and I do not wish, by calling a vote on these matters now, to risk provoking the Conservatives in another place into reintroducing the damaging position that they took last May. Therefore, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the motion. Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.