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Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill

My Lords, one recognises that there are occasions over the years when emergency legislation is required, and that it can cause problems. While the Minister offers the encouragement that new proposals will be brought forward in a couple of months’ time, is not the reality that the law of the land will be determined by the passage of this legislation today? It will become the law, probably for the coming year. This is not quite as large a concession or amelioration of the situation as he suggests. I have no authority to speak on this and I will probably be shot by my Front Bench, but why is not the Third Reading postponed to give my noble friend the opportunity to carry out at least some consultation? This, as the Minister rightly says, is important legislation that goes to the heart of the justice system of our country, but is there not some suggestion that it is being passed with one part of the House not being fully informed about the implications?