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Companies Bill [HL]

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister for that full explanation of this group of amendments. Before we wave goodbye to Part 10, we on these Benches are concerned about whether we have managed to strike the right balance between risk and reward for directors, particularly non-executive directors, and whether overall there will not be a disincentive for men and women of quality to serve on boards. The Minister will be well aware of the concerns about the new provisions, especially those in Clause 158. At this stage, however, I can do nothing better than quote the noble Baroness, Lady Young of Old Scone, who said in the debate on the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Bill a few minutes ago that the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. I fear that the Government may have to accept some adverse consequences from these new provisions. On Question, Motion agreed to.