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Banking Bill

It goes without saying that we always look carefully at these debates. Even if a particular amendment did not re-emerge on Report, a different one might which would incorporate the same concept if our position was regarded as not being satisfactory. So of course I will look carefully at the arguments that have been mobilised, but the amendments are grouped together because they would both introduce into the Bill an element of legal rigidity. We are saying that the code will be followed, obeyed and responded to by the authorities but we are reluctant to see that imposed by statute. That is the basis of the Government’s position, which is why I am hoping that my noble friend will, at least for today, withdraw his amendment.