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UK Borders Bill

I am very grateful to the Minister for what he said. We must all take seriously the news that the standard operating procedures are now available, and I am glad to hear it. However, I am sure that he will take in the best possible part the observation that it might have been helpful if they had been available before this debate so that we could have considered whether or how far they met our concerns and taken it into account. I understand the argument of the noble Viscount, Lord Bridgeman, about quasi-border police forces. I understand that the Opposition want a proper border police force as they see it. However, that is what we have at the moment. It is happening every day and will go on happening every day while we decide whether we will have future legislation on a border police force. Therefore, we need effective arrangements immediately. I was concerned by what the noble Baroness, Lady Carnegy, said, because it is my impression that many of the serious issues arise in those first three hours when people are detained. For that reason, we have to take the matter seriously. However, I acknowledge what the Minister said. I understood him to say that the procedures have been placed in the Library as a basis for consultation and so are not yet finalised. We must go away and look at this matter. Therefore, I shall not move my amendment.